A Cyclical Business

When I think about the past, present and future in this volatile yet exciting industry, I am always tempted to invoke the Pharaoh's dream from the Old Testament which Joseph interpreted as seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine.

Certainly the highs and lows of construction do seem to follow a similar course. The bounty of the early 1980s ended, bringing in the barren late 1980s to mid-1990s.

The years of plenty picked up steam again, going strong until the year 200l and then a leveling off was punctuated by the events of Sept. 11, 2002.

But I am an incorrigible optimist. I am convinced the "lean" period will be brief and that the years of plenty - beefed up by public works - will begin soon and continue for another seven years if not
more as long as there is an increase of women's participation in the industry. My source on this is the "Higher Authority" and "She" wouldn't have it any other way.

Lenore Janis
President
Professional Women in Construction

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