It’s still good to be a farmer in HoCo. According to latest HoCo
Economic Indicators report, “sequestration is expected to have little or no
effect on local agriculture.”
I was also surprised to learn that 28% of our HoCo farms are run by women. The HoCo EDA is sponsoring a Central MD Women in Agriculture Forum at
the fairgrounds this Thursday.
Farmers are one of the few groups in the loco business community that
aren't chewing their fingernails these days. Overall HoCo businesses reported
being cautious in spending and hiring, generally having “a lack of confidence
about the future.”
“Owners are keeping tights rein on spending. Wages are not
rising and efficiencies captured from technological gains will limit new hires.”
HoCo still has the lowest unemployment rate in the state at
4.7%. The statewide average is 6.7%.
There are other bright spots too. Reported fees for Planning
and Zoning are 126% higher for January 2013 than January 2012. The total fiscal
year to date value of non residential construction is $63,288,495, a 257%
increase over the same period last year. This level of activity is evidenced by new
development projects in downtown Columbia , Turf Valley ,
Wilde Lake
Retailers reported doing okay too with “moderate increases across
the board.”
“Small appliances and hardware have improved but tend to
item driven. One such example is the popularity of K-cup coffee products.”
