3. PENNSYLVANIA - Lancaster County Consumer Health - JIM MCTAGUE 100926

1942 WARTIME SCRAP METAL COLLECTION LANCASTER Lancaster County Consumer HealtH Jim McTague conducts a consumer health check across Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He observes strong economic activity at a local diner frequented by workers from an adjacent, thriving metal foundry. Additionally, a massive sixty-acre flea market in Ephrata draws heavy crowds of eager shoppers. Upscale dining establishments report steady patrons, while local retail gasoline prices have dropped substantially. Overall, persistent consumer spending and robust autumn tourism indicate ongoing economic resilience throughout the surrounding regional economy. (3)