Hello Ford Fans!This is your newly elected, but not yet sworn in, past president, soon to be "oh lord not him again" new president, writing this
month's column. 

2001 has been quite a year for this country and this club. Things I'll look back on and remember:
>    The wet morning that turned into a hot afternoon for the Valley Ford Car Show. Eighty some car entries on a day like we
     had is a compliment to the interest in Ford automobiles and the hard work of every member to this club.

>    I'll remember all the car shows that were attended by members of this club. The great stories (true or not) and all the
     hardware brought home that reflects back to each of you for your time and effort that's gone into your car.

>    2001 will also go down as a mixed year for the mothership, Ford Motor Co. The events of September 11th amplified a sales
     slow down that resulted in over 5000 Ford Employees being laid off. Following the terrorists action on September 11th,
     Ford's credit losses were up dramatically due to repo's and country wide job layoffs.  Even with 0% financing, 2001 will
     finish with Ford selling 10 to 15% fewer vehicles this year than last.

>    Let's remember Ford's involvement in the Firestone Tire mess last summer which still effects sales of it's Explorer SUV.
     Surviving employees have already been informed that there will be no merit increases in 2002 and company matched 401K
     programs have been put on the back burner until further notice.

If this Christmas finds you among friends and family, having your health, having a job and having hope that 2002 will be better,
than I share your thoughts. This coming Tuesday night at our Christmas banquet I look forward to sharing lots of memories and
fun of the last year and looking forward to 2002! See you there.

Merry Christmas from Susan and I to all of you!

Craig Johnson