WOW!  My head is just spinning with the all of the news about the challenges facing our financial markets this past week.  I have found it to be very difficult to sift through the TV broadcasts, newspaper articles and internet sites to decipher what has happened and how we should move forward. 

We conducted one of our Growth Coach coaching orientation seminars yesterday.  We had a great group of about 18 business owners attend and we discussed the challenges and opportunities they are facing in their businesses.  While many of them may be beginning to feel the pinch in this economy, our discussion converged around specific challenges, like attracting and retaining qualified employees, and generating ideas for moving forward.  It was a true reflection of how, I believe, local business owners are remaining positive and action-oriented during difficult times.  Yeah Richmond!

One of the items I keep hearing about on the national news is how the credit markets are at a virtual stand-still across the country yet the folks that I speak with here in the Richmond area remark on the availability of capital for good projects and qualified applicants.  What are you experiencing in the credit markets here in the Richmond area?  If you are a banker, do you have money to lend?  What types of deals are you looking for?  If you are a business owner, have you been able to obtain credit?  What is happening with your LOC?  We are blessed to be living and working in such a great metro area.  Eventhough we are currently experiencing a downturn, I believe the outlook for future growth is strong.  Your Thoughts?