This is in today's local paper 5-11-01 so I'll retype but I'm including it because of a rather shocking piece of trivia:

The Arizona Purchasing Managers Index fell two points in April, dropping to 41.2 from 43.2 in March and continuing a downward trend that began in August 2000.

The index, which tracks economic activity based on several factors, uses 50 as a baseline. A reading of more than 50 indicates that the local economy is growing, while a reading below 50 suggests a slowdown in economic activity.

bThe last time the overall index saw a level of 41.2 was in January 1982

Personal Note: This is the first article I've seen that has made any mention of how dire the situation is here. Since 1982? or maybe its a typo and they meant 1992?

-- Guy Daley (guydaley1@netzero.net), May 11, 2001