The small upturn is an improvement over the 1.9 per cent industry growth rate recorded in 1999, according to estimated figures by SGMA in its annual State of the Industry address at Financial Day in Atlanta. The 1.9 per cent growth rate was roughly even with the 2.0 per cent pace in 1999 compared to 1998, but all three years are below historical rates. In 1999 and 1998, industry growth has trailed gross domestic product growth by 2.3 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively, and ... Log in to view full article.