In a year of record high gas prices, we grew in-store sales. This goes to prove the theory that customers would be turned off by high gas prices and not come into the convenience store is not true.

The older girls want to participate in sales in a more mature way. It also gets the companies involved in our mission to teach girls self confidence, leadership skills, and it gives girls a unique way to participate in sales. It's really exciting for us.

One of the issues the city is facing, our sales tax revenue is so low on a per-capita basis - well below any other city in Whatcom County. People go somewhere else to buy things because of limited shopping opportunities in Ferndale.

While book sales continued to perform well at U.S. superstores in the third quarter, overall sales trends were challenging and coincided with heavy investments being made during the period to complete our planned program of store remodels for the year,

It's been almost a decade since the Burger King system enjoyed seven quarters of positive comp sales in the United States. As part of our Go Forward Plan, we're working together with our franchisees to deliver great products served hot and fresh by friendly and fast employees in a clean and safe restaurant environment. Our long run of positive sales increases shows that customers have noticed and appreciate our efforts.

Our ticket sales are tracking about 35 percent ahead of the Women's Open at this time. If that holds true, we're looking at well over 130,000 spectators. The X-factor is the weather. If it rains for a week straight and you've got muddy conditions, that's not conducive to people walking around. Or if it's horribly hot like last year. That obviously keeps people away, but you cross your fingers and hope the conditions allow for spectators to have an enjoyable time.