I did read and discuss with some others about the story below. In speaking with a few gentlemen, and particularly one whom purchases building supply products, I can relay the burden we are collectively feeling against this whole unfathomable mess.

Much like my industry, I found that most customers are not very helpful, or willing to be for that matter, on the Global Price issues that is crippling any hope of economic rebounding in the very near future. I listened to others talk about the enormous administrative hours, that they too are having redirect from other pressing matters, making calls, and sending emails relaying the magnitude of the increases to their customers. All the while, customers are still asking for price breaks or percentage reductions on future blanket orders.

It was reiterated that customers are still not comprehending how bad the situation really is, remain confused, or just don’t want to face the hard reality, that it is important they help be a part of the solution. But the cruel fact is bigger company’s could very well put more Manufacturers, especially Small Companies, out of business because of their removed empathy. With little to know indication that the Steel Market is going to recoup the damages, as quick as they plundered them upon us, and fighting to remain competitive against China, and India is not feasible, and quite frankly, asinine to judge otherwise. All we can do is sit on the edge, and every so often peak over, hoping that sooner - rather than later - the gap of economic prosperity will be equaled and we can ultimately be back in the game. Ok. Well at least that’s my hope.

I’ve seen over and over in voiced opinions, and only within the comforts of parallel views, there is a sense of searing resentment for the constant muttering of how we are the Back Bone of America and yet our legs continued to be sheered out from under us, in route to the rumored, and once revered “American Dream.”

Those of us who greatly understand the Raw Material Tug of War ( and agree) that most people, who are not living in these daily fiery trenches, and although, full of advise are clueless to the colossal and added wreckage the continued steel crisis is placing- on an already- struggling Manufacturing Industry. Yes, some are doing well on showmanship of paper and the bottom line may read as so. However, we are constantly negotiating with customers, absorbing more- and- more of rising fuel surcharges, and now even higher raw material costs. Leaving the constant eating away quicker- and- quicker at our profits that would have, otherwise, been designated towards capital improvements, rising Health Care, added laborers, and very desperately cost of living raises to owners and their employees.

I don’t mean to be a “Grinch” in the all wonderful and peachy world that others are able to report. But for us that are hostages to the Steel Material Suppliers, well, please forgive us if we cannot join in being so tickled for the ‘Exporting Revival’ that others are enjoying. Due to the weak American dollar- I might add.

Once again, (and with much prayer) I hope some day the decisions our ” Seat Holders ” continue to execute in Washington will be for the benefit of all parties involved. Rather than the cutting off the nose, despite the face, decisions that obviously not being thought through in their entirety. I suppose, what I’d like to see is the measurements of ‘ Fair Trade’ weighed more fairly against what American Manufacturers have to burden. Health care, OSHA, EPA, ISO, TS, etc… and unfair labor practices by our competitors, and I realize that rhetoric has been stated a million times over to no prevail.

We must not forget, or take lightly the diligent work our Congressman has put towards those efforts so far. However, my greatest fear is the damage of not making other Countries play fair for so long may have impacted the Stability and Prosperity of America altogether.

As for us, yes, we are continually hammered by calamity from all directions, however, it is a known fact that Small Businesses did not get this far by cowering against undetected problems, such as, non-retreating steel inflations. We understand that it is
‘ Us ‘ that are the majority of Job Creators, Innovators, and highest contributors to Non- For-Profits groups valued in helping the less fortunate, and continue to strive to do so despite the empty pocket books.

So friend, indeed we may very well be in a headlock against our foreign competitors but I’m not ready to say UNCLE yet!!

Furthermore, these words of encouragement stick in my mind more often these days, ” We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

” So let us run the race that has been put before us.” Because quite honestly we have no other choice.

Thank you for your continued support.

Have Blessed and Brilliant Weekend-
Char Vincer - Owner
Riverside Spring Company