Thoughts at the End of a Challenging Year in Steel

2009 - what a year. Good news is that hopefully, we've all come through this leaner, wiser and more realistic. Although some sectors of the industry are still practicing some slash and burn bidding techniques that hardly can sustain never mind promote growth in the industry - I think that as a whole, we may be making that long awaited wide turn back towards land; and towards reason in bidding.

Pricing seems to have stabilized with some actual growth sectors visible on the horizon. The question becomes, with the limited number of projects that actually let this past year, are we - are you, truly ready for the "rush"? Have you been able to hold on to your key business components? Although at times it's been a struggle, DD implemented quite a comprehensive retention and growth plan even in the face of the dismal economic realities of the past year.

Embracing BIM, creating opportunities in new markets and getting back to basics - I truly believe that will serve us during this next recovery. I hear rumblings of inflation. And honestly, I'm not quite sure what to think about that. Ask me in 2010....