New Year promises exciting challenges for business

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As we begin another new year at the Business Journal, it's time to make a few predictions about what lies ahead.|ret||ret||tab|

For SBJ, one of our greatest challenges will be to top 2001. |ret||ret||tab|

It's a challenge we are ready to meet.|ret||ret||tab|

While many publications have suffered a drop in advertising revenues in the face of national recession, reduced consumer confidence and the U.S. war on terrorism, the same cannot be said of SBJ.|ret||ret||tab|

Despite a cooling economy, SBJ set new records in sales and in the size of our papers. Before 2001, the largest issue we had ever produced was 80 pages, and that was several years ago. In 2001, we matched that record in July, and then we exceeded it. Our largest issue ever, 88 pages, was produced after Sept. 11 our Salute to Construction issue of Oct. 29. |ret||ret||tab|

Why did SBJ do so well where others faltered? Because of our unique focus: Springfield business; and our unique niche: the business-to-business market.|ret||ret||tab|

In 2002, with the business environment becoming more competitive, companies are going to be working harder and be-coming more aggressive. I predict that SBJ will benefit from that drive, simply by doing what we do best: delivering the information that business readers depend on and the targeted audience that advertisers need. |ret||ret||tab|

Springfield, with its diversified economy, has been able to weather the worst of the economic downturn so far; however, the storm isn't over yet.|ret||ret||tab|

There is an ancient Chinese curse that reads, "May you live in interesting times," the implication being that the most interesting times are those of upheaval, conflict and chaos. |ret||ret||tab|

I predict 2002 will make for very interesting reading. |ret||ret||tab|

This year will bring evolutionary forces to bear on local businesses, as with businesses nationally and worldwide: the strong will survive. Ex-pect more consolidation in various in-dustries as the strong absorb the weak and the cycle of life and business continues.|ret||ret||tab|

For more specific predictions in the areas of local government, education, banking, the arts, etc., look to the articles in this issue of SBJ in which area leaders give their outlook for 2002.|ret||ret||tab|

Meanwhile, one of the reasons I look forward to this exciting and challenging year is the incredible editorial team that I am privileged to work with. |ret||ret||tab|

SBJ readers can look forward to more great business news and features from SBJ reporters Cheryl Capages and Eric Olson, great page design and graphics from Design Editor Bruce Helm and insightful special sections from newly promoted Inside Business Editor Maria Hoover.|ret||ret||tab|

Many of you know Maria from her work as an SBJ reporter, and she brings that same energy and enthusiasm to her work as an editor. |ret||ret||tab|

I predict an exciting and eventful year for SBJ, and for Springfield business. But you won't have to take my word for it; you'll be able to read all about it, right here in these pages|ret||ret||tab|

Best wishes for a prosperous new year,|ret||ret||tab|

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Clarissa A. French|ret||ret||tab|

Managing Editor[[In-content Ad]]