The area economy appears to be shaking out of its doldrums, butcontinued consumer confidence will be needed to keep the enginerunning in good shape.

Signs of possible construction activity are visible in severalareas.

Building permits for most of the commercial and residentialprojects have not been issued. Site preparation, though, means thestart of construction could be on the horizon.

The latest sales tax returns show Brookhaven off to a good startin a new state fiscal year.

Through the first two months of fiscal year 2004, Brookhaven wasahead of its 2003 pace by about 8 percent. The city reached thatlevel after two consecutive months of growth.

Other area communities collectively were doing well also.Through the first two months of the fiscal year, sales tax receiptswere up about 9.5 percent.

A look at the calender shows the holidays are only a few weeksaway. Soon shoppers will be heading to the stores looking for theperfect Christmas gifts.

Shoppers’ buying at home will play a significant role in thecontinued economic rebound for the area. And a once-again vibranteconomy is a gift everyone can enjoy.