HONOR ROLL OF BUSINESS

2004 OUTLOOK
Brighter outlook for year ahead
By Maria Zate

BANKING
Variety spices up banking's bottom line
By Maria Zate

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
An industry at odds with itself; Sellers and renters benefit from paradox of pricing
By Mark Van de Kamp

CONSTRUCTION
Enough to make a beaver jealous; Some builders have backlog to last well into next decade
By Mark Van de Kamp

DEFENSE

    RESEARCH
    Military fortifies work force; Research spin-offs help revitalize defense industry
    By Scott Hadly

    VANDENBERG
    Defense contracts hold county employment steady
    By Scott Hadly

EMPLOYMENT
Moving down to minimum; Shift in sectors concerns economists
By Mark Van de Kamp

FARMING
Crops, livestock growing strong; County agriculture faces difficulties, rebounds quickly
By Frank Nelson

GOVERNMENT
Deficit leaks drain coffers; Local governments left with hard decisions on what to ax
By Mark Van de Kamp

HOUSING
Buyers race to home ownership; Demand leaves supply in its tracks; prices sprint to the top
By Maria Zate

MEDICAL
Suppliers widen product lines
By Frank Nelson

RETAIL

    SALES FORECAST
    Cha-ching! Retail is strong, but high rent a deterrent
    By Frank Nelson

    AUTO SALES
    New domestic models push auto sales into high gear
    By Mark Van de Kamp

    DOWNTOWN
    Wide world of food awaits the epicurious
    By Frank Nelson

    NORTH COUNTY
    North County sees explosion in business, construction
    By Frank Nelson

TECHNOLOGY
Up, up and away; Tech firms get lift from innovations
By Frank Nelson

TOURISM
Harvesting the fruits of tourism; County set to reap benefits of strong economy, less fear
By Maria Zate

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