A Message from the Publisher...

We have all had the experience of watching or listening to a television or radio weather forecaster telling us the rain has stopped, only to look and find out it still coming down outside our window.

This gets confusing and causes us to doubt the accuracy of the forecaster and doesn't make our decision to carry on with our outdoor plans any easier.

If you are like me, listening to the economic news is a lot like listening to that weather forecast. I am hearing things are getting better and I am even seeing the sun break through the clouds in a few places, but has the economic storm truly ended? Can I carry on with new plans without getting all wet, or should I hold back with a cautious eye to the sky?

OK, enough of the weather analogies. Is the economy improving or not?

The answer to this question is a definite maybe. We are hearing that things are stabilizing. In fact, the other night President Obama made the claim that we are better off then we were a year ago. Yet economists have also stated that it is a long road back to recovery and that job growth might not occur until next year.

So which is it? Has the rain stopped, or hasn't it? The answer, depending on who you speak to, is yes to both.

I can tell you what we are hearing from our business partners. Some sectors say things are getting better and they are seeing improvement. Most say things are certainly not getting any worse. Clearly the old saying that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger can apply to many of the business people we encounter.

Last winter, when the economy was at its worst, The Eagle-Tribune partnered with Suffolk University and area chambers of commerce to present a three-part breakfast series titled "Weathering the Storm." The sessions offered advice on how to run a business during tough times, how to use print and Internet social media to promote business growth, and how to brand and market a business. More than 200 attended, and they expressed enthusiasm that their local newspaper felt it important enough to present this series.

The economy is still fraught with confusing signs, so it is apparent that we need to be aware of where we have been and where we are going. The best way I know how to prepare is to gather a bunch of smart people and talk about it.

In the "Weathering the Storm" series presented earlier this year, our speakers urged the businesses and nonprofits in the audience to attempt to grow market share while their competitors hid under rocks, waiting for the storm to pass. If you followed that advice, you may already be experiencing better times. If you did not, it is not too late to embrace the theory.

Beginning this Thursday, Sept. 17, we begin "Weathering the Storm Part 2: Has the Rain Stopped?" The first session features a panel discussion addressing what we have learned during this difficult time, led by a professional moderator, Julie Schniewind of Suffolk University.

After the panel discussion, the remaining four sessions in the series are about preparation. The series is designed to help you get ready for better times and to help you see that the actions you can take today in your business will help you prepare for future success.

As with the last series, there is no charge to attend. You simply need to call Lil Toohey at 978-946-2111 to reserve a spot. You can also e-mail her at ltoohey@eagletribune.com.

You might ask why The Eagle-Tribune and its partners are investing in a program like this. The answer is that we want to support life in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. The Eagle-Tribune wants to be known as the media company that means business. If businesses do well, the people in our readership area benefit from the healthy local economy.

Don't hesitate to write or call with questions about this unique series. We want to hear from you and we want to see you here at The Eagle-Tribune. By attending the series, you are adding your experiences to the mix as we all work toward solutions and building a bright future for our region.