04 Ones to watch: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

"Goodyear is a linchpin to the Akron economy," says Jerry Whitmer, managing partner of Brouse McDowell. "The last few years have been difficult for Goodyear, with rising material costs and increased competition from Bridgestone, Michelin and other foreign competitors. Goodyear's new CEO, Robert Keegan,

"Employment is dropping, but sales are increasing."

Joe LaGuardia, regional vice president of Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Ohio, agrees.

"What many people don't know is that five of their businesses have achieved year-over-year segment operating income growth - a difficult trick for one business unit to achieve," LaGuardia says.

However, the company continues to face problems with its accounting procedures, most recently with its European operations, and has delayed filing its financial reports with the SEC while it looks into the issues. In October, Goodyear said accounting system errors implemented in 1999 caused it to reduce its net profits by as much as $100 million, going back to 1998.

All of this could impact Goodyear's ability to satisfy obligations to the United Steelworkers of America, which could create further labor problems for the tiremaker.

The skinny: A turnaround by Goodyear will be a turnaround for the Akron area economy, bolstering businesses that supply it with goods and services.