We can look forward to an improved spending climate next year. Is it off to the races? Of course not. But it's getting better than it was.

This year may be less dramatic.

I don't think we're going to see Intel grow as fast as it did in the 1990s, because we're talking about a more mature industry. But I do expect it to start growing again.

They've had good results in a difficult climate for the electronics industry. They are off to a good start in the production probe cards market, and it's growing every year.

If we continue on our present course of burning fossil fuels, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that we could reach 2© C by 2050 and 3© C by 2070. We are running out of time.

ESPN continues to expand its business. The climate for growth remains encouraging both locally and in the state.