Economy Makes Some Company Owners Rethink Vacation

JOYCE M. ROSENBERG

NEW YORK (AP) — Pam Kassner has already canceled two vacations this year. She just didn't feel comfortable taking time off with business so uncertain.

Kassner, owner of the marketing firm Super Pear Strategies in Pewaukee, Wis., was supposed to go to Florida in February, but had recently lost a big client. A second trip in April was also shelved.

"I was just starting to feel anxious, that it just didn't feel like the right time to go away," Kassner said.

The recession has made many small business owners rethink their vacation plans. Some, like Kassner, want to stay close by so they can keep working with clients and customers. Others, who have seen their revenue fall, don't want to spend money on what seems like an extravagance.

Still, many owners do go ahead and take vacations. Many believe taking a break, especially when it means time with their families, is something they need, and that will actually benefit their businesses. Others don't want the recession to stand in the way of once-in-a-lifetime trips.