Last month I stated, “The good news is that even if your candidate didn’t win, or if a key proposition didn’t pass, the economy tends to pick up after an election as a sense of certainty returns.” Then I boldly went on to say “. . . I’ll go out on a limb and predict that 2013 will be better economically than 2012.” What was I thinking? What about the Fiscal Cliff? Leave it to politicians to think up a bright idea like the Fiscal Cliff? They have had since August of 2011 (when the Budget Control Act of 2011 aka “Debt Ceiling Crisis,” was signed) to come up with a solution that won’t throw the country back into a likely recession but have left any real decisions to the very last minute! So, I’m not going to try to predict the outcome of this year-end meteor hurtling toward our economy. I’ll also have to put my predictions from last month on ice along with my New Year’s champagne. Let’s hope there is good reason to pop the cork that evening!

Actually I’m looking forward to 2013. We have a lot of great events coming up in the New Year. Right after New Years’ day, as tradition dictates, we will join the Sacramento Chapter of APWA for lunch on January 4th. We’ll have an opportunity to visit our elected officials on February 20th at the ACEC-CA Legislative Visit Day. The following week will be our Past President’s dinner where we honor those who held the gavel for our chapter well before me. This year’s annual state conference will be held in April in Monterey. Get these dates (April 7—11) in your calendar soon so you don’t get double booked!

As the politicians battle it out this December I hope you have the time to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. I know that isn’t always easy to do and I am likely one of the worst offenders, but it really is one of the few times in the year when we can all take a deep breath and relax with your loved ones. I wish you the merriest of holidays, good health, and prosperous business in 2013!