Rain Economics

Robert K. Yosay | Posted May 18th 2011

On a typical spring day, the aisles of Mashorda’s County Gardens are filled with customers picking plants and flowers. But as the Valley endures its longest stint of cold, rainy weather in April and May, only a handful perused the Austintown store. “This is the worst start in my fifteen years,” Ray Mashorda, the store owner, said. “And if my dad was living today, it would probably be his worst start in 40 years.” He’s not alone. Across the region, businesses and farmers that rely on a warm, drier spring to boost their sales have fallen behind as the rain continues to saturate soil and discourage consumers.