Kickstart: 330 million economic drivers

When it comes to the U.S. economy, consumers are at the controls.

That may lead to unexpected swings in individual items, such as a rush on Beanie Babies or Baby Yoda dolls or PT Cruisers, but Plastics News economist Bill Wood notes that at least this year indications are that holiday retail sales will be strong. And that is important.

"If we are going to rely on consumers to to carry the economy for the next couple of quarters while the business sector shakes off their collective uncertainty and starts to increase investments in new plants and equipment again, then we need to see a strong holiday season," he writes in his overview of the economic outlook.

Which brings us to that adorable Baby Yoda. Or at least the toy version of "The Child" character from the new Star Wars Disney+ series "The Mandalorian," complete with a vinyl head and a plush body. (Now available for preorder: $24.99.)

If you find yourself in Hong Kong, swing by the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel to check out its three-story aquarium, made of 14 individual pieces of acrylic bonded together into a cylinder measuring 49 feet high and 20 feet across.

Reynolds Polymer Technology Inc. of Grand Junction, Colo., a specialist in unique displays, made the aquarium that holds nearly 2,000 fish from 90 different species. The aquarium plays off of an ocean theme throughout the hotel.

"This water feature provides guests with an engaging sea life view right within the Ocean Park facility," says Mark Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing.

The company has been involved in jaw dropping displays around the world, also making displays, signs and sky pools.

Steve Toloken reminds me that this week marks a year since Bill Carteaux died.

The Plastics Industry Association hired Tony Radoszewski as its new president and CEO in September, but everyone knows Carteaux, who died after a three-year fight with leukemia, was irreplaceable.

So where do you remember him best? Zipping around the halls of NPE on a Segway? Building a stronger association that made it through the Great Recession? Badgering politicians to support the plastics industry? Badgering business owners to reach out to politicians and their communities?

Or maybe just "never, ever, ever" giving up.