The economic recovery is in full swing. 2015 was an excellent year and, for the landscape industry, it is predicted that 2016 total industry sales will be even better. Profitability is up, home starts are up, and the home improvement market is forecasting accelerated growth throughout the year. Unemployment is below 5% and there is pressure to increase the minimum wage. This will put pressure to increase wages, even those wages above the minimum wage. With a growing economy and high levels of employment it will be challenging to find qualified labor. Aggressive recruiting and training to will help compensate for the increasingly tight job market.