It’s too early to tell. That’s the local reaction to the deal in Congress that pushed the fiscal cliff problem into March.
What will be noticed right away will be a 2-percent increase in the Social Security payroll tax that was part of the deal. But other aspects of the deal may take time for local businesses to understand.
Goshen Chamber of Commerce President David Daugherty returned to work Wednesday after the holidays and said there are concerns about the fiscal cliff deal but, “It’s really too early to tell.”
“It’s a tough one to comment on. They didn’t deal with everything. They need to keep the economy on a forward momentum,” Daugherty said. “They need to learn to work together to create jobs and have families earn a living. They’re not halfway there, really, they aren’t even close. They’ve got to learn to get along, be up-front and be honest with the American people.”
Daugherty added the legislators don’t seem to understand how the issues involved impact the economy and individuals.
“They need to get their leadership in place. The solution isn’t an easy one,” Daugherty said. “They need to try a little harder.”
He’s glad for what legislators did agree upon, but “what they did is not enough. They did something good for my pocketbook and your pocketbook, but they need to do more to make an impact,” Daugherty said. “Congress hasn’t passed a budget in four years. It befuddles me. They need to find a way to work together.”
Businesses and industries will press on in Middlebury and Elkhart County, stated Sam Pohl, director of Middlebury Chamber of Commerce.
“The entrepreneurial spirit will not be diminished,” Pohl said. “Middlebury will move forward. It’s frustrating not knowing (answers) and we have to wait still longer on Washington to make fiscal decisions. I would never want to be in their shoes.”
No business owners have shared concerns about the fiscal deal with the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, said Executive Director Jeff Kitson.
“They were attentive to Washington and the 2 percent increase in the Social Security payroll tax will slow the economy up slightly,” Kitson said. “I know people in Nappanee are going to take a step back, take a good look and spend their money more wisely and shop locally. I want everyone to have a good year and use what they can to support local businesses.”
Elkhart Chamber of Commerce president-elect Kyle Hannon also had no immediate contact from local businesses in regard to the fiscal cliff deal.
“They are sorting through what it means. I’m pleased a deal was made because the crippling effect is the uncertainty,” Hannon said. “It’s hard for businesses to make decisions when they aren’t sure about government spending. At least now they can understand the rules of the game and it’s removed some of the uncertainty. I’m not sure people are happy about it.”
And tax increases could impact local businesses, Hannon added.
“Taxes will go up and that will impact spending. The middle class won’t have as big a hit but the tax increase will be given to the government instead of retail places like Concord Mall,” Hannon said. “It’s to soon to tell the impact. Everybody will feel something.”
Robert Thatcher, general manager at Concord Mall, said he hopes to continue to see strong patron traffic and retail sales with the 67 businesses connected with the mall.
“This legislation is important to all. I’m optimistic,” Thatcher said. “Elkhart County has led the nation in job growth. Wages are higher with more disposable income for discretionary spending and to shop local is important.”
And Hannon hopes for the best with the fiscal cliff deal, but said he’s more disappointed the legislators haven’t addressed the issue of serious spending.
“They’ve done something short-term to help, but when are they going to get serious about their spending? When can Washington make decisions and come to some kind of solution?” Hannon asked. “It gets discouraging.”
Business
Related Photos
-
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden leave the podium after Obama made a statement regarding the passage of the fiscal cliff bill in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington Tuesday.
Local Chamber officials discuss 'cliff' deal
- Business
-
-
Reminisce days a big hit in Shipshewana
Diane Green and her aunt Lydia Moore drove from lower Illinois to Shipshewana Saturday morning to pick up quilting fabric.
-
Planners like changes to CVS parking lot
Access to the CVS at 410 S. Main St. in Goshen could soon be easier for those with disabilities following a ruling by the Goshen Plan Commission Tuesday afternoon.
During their meeting Tuesday, Goshen Plan Commission members gave their blessing to a request by CVS Pharmacy and State Permits Inc. for a major change to the CVS Planned Unit Development that seeks to reconfigure the north portion of the parking lot to increase the overall Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility of the site. The final site plan for the PUD was also approved by the commission Tuesday, and the request will now be forwarded on to the Goshen City Council with a favorable recommendation. -
How to monitor a Facebook Page while out of the office
With the popularity of social media soaring by the day, it is important for online marketers to keep their Facebook page updated regularly, and monitor it daily to answer comments and questions that fans post.
-
Car dealers’ delight
GOSHEN - Auto sales are going up nationwide and Elkhart County dealers are part of that rebound.
-
Local dairy operations featured in virtual tour
Three local dairy farms are taking part in a national virtual tour of such operations this month.
-
TECH TALK WITH MIKE: A checklist for enhancing your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn ranks among the top social media networks, and with more than 200 million professionals as on January 2013, it is the preferred “business to business” social channel.
-
Ben's opens Goshen pretzel store
The owners of Ben’s Soft Pretzels opened their new Goshen location Wednesday, serving up fresh, hot pretzels to eager customers.
-
RV growth expected to pick up steam
A recreational industry forecast has been updated and calls for a larger gain in units shipped this year.
-
Thor buys Navistar complex in Wakarusa
Thor Industries Inc. and Thor Wakarusa LLC, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, have purchased the former Monaco recreational vehicle production campus in Wakarusa.
-
TECH TALK WITH MIKE: Business owners realizing importance of social media
Can social media marketing really impact business goals? Should a business jump in and use social media? These are common questions that I’m often asked to address.
- More Business Headlines
-
Reminisce days a big hit in Shipshewana
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
