Masonry Magazine October 1989 Page. 35
The improved price trend was confirmed by the Consumer Price Index for July. Consumer prices rose only 0.2% in the month-slower than in earlier months.
The softer economy is easing demand for goods and services, reducing pressures on capacity... and, therefore, on prices. Other reports affirm this spreading view. A Federal Reserve survey found few tight labor markets or big gains in wages.
IT'S WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED, as the Federal Reserve views things. The Fed monetary policy-makers seem to be getting the best of both worlds, facing neither significant inflation pressures nor a recession, near-term. Only a few months back, the Fed was confronting a sharply slowing economy. It began moving interest rates lower in June after a year of rising levels. All told, some interest rates have fallen by a full percentage point since.
Most analysts don't believe the Fed has completed its easing process. But, with business slowing and prices rising less, the Fed money controllers don't have to rush to lower rates. Less inflation gives the monetary authorities some leeway to ease if such action becomes appropriate. But the improved business outlook doesn't demand pushing rates down sharply.
Voss Wins L.A. "Fastest Trowel"
Jeff Voss of Voss Masonry in Alta Loma recently was named the "Fastest Trowel on the Block" for the Greater Los Angeles Area, announced Rick Muth, president of ORCO Block Co., sponsor of the contest in conjunction with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA).
Second place went to Bruce Halverson of Rob Guth Masonry in Riverside and Jeff McDonald of San Bernardino's Dave Wilshire Masonry was third. While 250 people watched, 12 journeyman masons from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties competed in the contest held at ORCO's Riverside plant. Judges determined the winners of the 20-minute timed contest based on the number of blocks laid with the highest degree of workmanship.
All three winners received cash prizes, and Voss becomes eligible for the state competition in October. The state winner moves on to a regional contest and a chance to win an all expense paid trip to the national finals at MASONRY Expo 1990 in Phoenix in February.