Opinion | Romer: Winter is coming

In “Game of Thrones,” “Winter is coming” is both a warning and a reminder to prepare. In our case, it also means updating staffing plans, watching lodging reservations and hoping the snow arrives early and often. Our version involves fewer dragons and a lot less violence, but shares plenty of uncertainty. Winter business planning usually begins with two questions: How much snow will we get, and how many people will come? We have come to learn that these things are connected, and neither comes with a reliable answer this early in November. Yet businesses must make decisions now about staffing, inventory, marketing and cash flow. The early indicators for this ski season suggest a familiar combination: opportunity, uncertainty and a need to pay attention. Nationally, small business owners are feeling better about their businesses. The Justworks and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index rose to 70.5 in the third quarter, up from 66.5.

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