What Lies Ahead for 2009? - That seems to be the biggest concern for almost everyone on both a personal and business level. As we move in to a New Year we are all confronted with some of the most trying economic times of our lives. Small business owners like me and many of my customers and readers are feeling the pain of these tough times. And don’t think that the so-called “big boys” aren’t feeling it as well, as witnessed by numerous bankruptcy filings by former Fortune 500 companies such as the Chicago Tribune, not to mention the government bailouts of the “big 3” auto makers and several high-profile banks throughout the country. So….I ask myself….when am I going to get my “bailout”?........I know it will be in the mail any day now……..along with my winnings from the lottery…..notification of my inheritance from a long lost relative…and refund from my legal fees from my first divorce!

Well just in case those things get lost in the mail I amgoing to have a back-up plan. That plan is going to consistof making concessions in both my business and  personal spending/living habits. WOW!....What a concept!....I am no longer going to fly my personal jet tothe Caribbean for the weekend or to my favoritesports teams game (By the way…that would be thePackers…been a tough year there!)…..I am not goingto book my staff meetings in Tahiti at that wonderful allinclusiveresort that is gracious enough to give us a discountedroom rate of only $1,200.00 per night…..and Iam only going to eat out every other night. And ohyeah….that 6-figure bonus that I had planned on givingmy wife and I for all of our hard work…..I guess it willhave to wait! And oh by the way…..if by some chancethat bailout money does show up…..I will make surethat I don’t disclose any of my books or how I plan onusing the money…..just like all those “honest” banksare doing!

OK….enough of the “tongue-in-cheek” stuff……..weare all feeling a little bit anxious about the economy andwhere it is headed….hopefully up! It is in times like thisthat I would like to once again thank those advertisersthat have stuck with us and have continued to see avalue in print advertising in a FREE magazine. Now,more than ever, I want to encourage our readers tomake it a point to support these advertisers by spendingthe dollars you do have to spend with these businesses.Not only that….let them know that you saw theirads in Quick Throttle Magazine.

Until Next Month…….keep checking the mail for thatpersonal bailout check…and if you get mine by mistake….please forward it to the address on the previouspage!

Scott May, Editor