Can anybody tell me what’s ahead in 2009?
Predicting the future is nearly impossible in the business world. It’s probably something only a complete idiot would attempt.
Recently, I ran across a column where I laid out a forecast for 2008. With perfect hindsight, let’s take a look back and see how they played out.
Gas prices will hover around $3 a gallon and drop in the fall.
Not off to such a good start. The $3 goal was driven entirely by optimism on my part and actual prices near $4 were not a surprise at all. But even my sunny-side-up best never expected to see $1.42 gas in 2008. Something tells me we better enjoy this price level while we can.
East Hills Shopping Center TIF will be approved.
My winning percentage has improved.
I also predicted close oversight to make sure the renovation lived up to its much-hyped expectations. The shopping mall’s cosmetic improvements exceeded my hopes, but it has fallen way short on new stores. I guess that leaves us something to look forward to in 2009. East Hills will announce new stores this year, right?
Ethanol and biodiesel industries will continue to expand.
This was a safe bet. Through the summer, especially, alternative fuel markets looked pretty sweet. I also predicted consolidation among farmer-owned plants. Vera Sun, a huge player in the market, filed for bankruptcy. The emerging alternative fuel market is likely to experience more bumps as the fuel market shakes out.
The Science and Technology Incubator at Missouri Western will attract some prestigious businesses.
Late in the year, the incubator did land Imulan. Those close to the project seem very excited about its potential. No one else really understands it, but it has something to do with animal medicines. The incubator holds great promise, but it’s frustrating at how long it will take to see fruit from the projects. I guess that’s why they’re called start-ups.
A CEO of a major corporation will behave very badly, but still get paid millions of dollars.
We have a winner! Corporate leadership reached new depths in 2008 in terms of mismanagement, deceit and outright illegal behavior. What I couldn’t predict was that the tab for those big bonuses would be picked up by taxpayers through the bailout.
Talk will abound about food processing plants in the Stockyards Industrial Park, but nothing will materialize.
There wasn’t even much talk about new plants as the economy dealt a blow to stalwarts like food processors, although Triumph Foods continues to thrive.
My prediction for 2009: More of the same, only different.
