Yes, gas prices are sky high and our grocery bills a bit more than they were, but the economic outlook shows a general trend of growth. In fact, in a poll earlier this week of the top 45 economists in the U.S., there was virtual consensus that economic growth will be experienced this year. In addition, the employment outlook for 2012 looks downright strong. Are we fully out of the woods and into a nice, sunny economic clearing? Answer: not yet. We still have a plethora of thorns to avoid, not the least of which is the pesky national debt. My economic advice is two-fold:

1. Think positively and control what you can control (i.e., be strategic about your business)
2. Contact your local politicians (frequently) and remind them that we are one country, not two political parties.