Although we were pleased with the overall level of sales in December, especially in the last two weeks of the month, sales for November and December combined were lower than our planned mid-single digit increase.

We're working currently, and I would expect within the next three months to book sales for the remaining 80.

In the U.S. there's been fantastic gift card download sales. Towards the middle of last year we were wondering if the digital revolution was over. But after the holiday season sales really picked up as a result of gift cards.

Poultry gross sales climbed 17 percent over year-earlier levels due in large part to increased value of broiler chicken sales of just over 28 percent. In addition, chicken egg production statewide increased slightly from 2004 levels and a 7 percent price improvement led to chicken egg value of sales improving to just over $50 million, a 9 percent increase compared to 2004.

I think this local sales tax would be a good thing for our community. But people will get a chance to vote on this in July. We will have a plan in place that clearly defines exactly where the money will go.

When hotels close it causes a serious loss, not only in terms of room sales, but also in terms of jobs and tax revenues.