Economy and us
 

So, how has the bad economy hurt/helped LXA?

It hasn't affected me personally very much at all, but I figure that's just me. The most I've felt of the so-called recession is that one of my older and biggest customers went bankrupt, but I haven't noticed because my business is much bigger now than it was when I first picked them up as a customer.

I always wonder about how much some people really are affected by this "recession" when they're buying multiple $8 beers at football games that they paid $100 per ticket for to sit in the nosebleeds while wearing $300 authentic team jerseys after driving 7 hours (or even flying) to get to the stadium where they paid $15 for parking.

With respect to LXA
 

I imagine that the Foundation has taken a hit or two, but likely less than the typical 30% or so that so many people have experienced. The Foundation's investments are likely in long term, stable sorts of instruments. Nothing showy or flashy, nothing from Bernie Madoff.

What about new recruits?

At Umass, fees and tuition have risen 15%.

Not a lot of people can afford fraternity dues after that.

Has the economy hurt recruitment?

I've not heard that Associations are down, in fact, according to what I heard this week, we're doing well. End of the year numbers will be the best measure.

I've seen more of my friends and brothers taking out student loans and picking up extra jobs in the past year but so far few seem significantly displaced. Our recruitment has been steadily increasing as well.

I will say that the cost of entertainment such as dance hall rentals, has not risen much or at all around us. I imagine they're trying to get more business.