When revenue is not rising, the ability to hold on to what onehas is the next best thing.

In that regard, Brookhaven is doing all right. And that, inaddition to some other economic development positives in thecommunity, is reason to remain optimistic in these uncertaineconomic times.

Year-to-date sales tax collections for Brookhaven – and 16others among the state’s Top 25 collectors in April – in 2009 aretrailing collections at the same point in 2008. Only eightcommunities are ahead of where they were at this point last year -and a few of those can just barely claim that distinction.

Brookhaven’s sales tax collections for 2009 are off about$35,500 from the 2008 pace, representing a decrease of .008 – lessthan 1 percent. The only Top 25 community with a better – arelative term when discussing sales tax losses – was Greenville ata .007 percent decrease.

The point of all this is not to say misery loves company.

The point is encouragement to look on the bright side. And thereare some bright spots on the Brookhaven landscape.

The developers of a local motel are looking to restart theproject soon, with a goal to still be finished by the end of theyear. Also, two local government projects – the senior citizenscenter and the multi-modal transportation facility – are movingforward.

On the sales tax front, Brookhaven Honda was recently designatedthe company’s No. 1 dealership in the nation. Obviously, the localbusiness is doing well and continues to send all-terrain vehiclesout the door for buyers’ enjoyment.

Maintaining a good attitude and seeing the good things happeningaround us will help keep a positive outlook as we wait for the darkeconomic clouds to pass and the bright days of prosperity toreturn.