Bruce Merrifield

Best of Times, Worst of Times

Hi Folks, here is a little more perspective: In 1982, the U.S. had 4.6 million incorporated businesses....now we have about 30 million, of which about 98% have fewer than 100 employees, but account for a rising two thirds of the U.S. GDP. Big companies now account for a declining one third of the GDP, but "Payroll Data" come mostly from big companies, comprising about 1% of the total. Payroll Data are misleading. Most of the jobs are created by small businesses, of which some 500,000 to 800,000 new ones incorporate every year (about 25 million since 1982) Europeans call this the "American Miracle."

In 1982, the U.S. had about 100 million jobs...now we have about 150 million jobs...averaging about 2 million per year, and we are on track to generate at least that many again this year. The loss of
4,000 jobs last month in big companies? Where is the perspective?

Bruce