Final Thoughts

Someone asked me recently what value is there in a publication like ours? Perhaps the best real life example I have to reference is about the two decisions made here in Dawson County, Georgia to build first, a new jail and then second, a new courthouse. The county ignored my warnings when they built the jail as they went to bid just when steel prices were heading higher. The jail was well over budget when completed. The County Manager, Kevin Tanner (now a state representative), came to me when the courthouse was on the drawing boards and we agreed they would wait to take it to bid until the timing was in their favor. The courthouse was many millions under budget because they were reading what Steel Market Update was writing about regarding steel pricing trends and they were ready when prices moved in their favor.

I know there are other communities and states out there who read Steel Market Update. My opinion is now is the time to go get those bids for schools, courthouses, jails, etc. It is always harder to swim upstream and the current is in your favor at this time…