Commitment is the theme for this year's edition. This word came to me late in 2009, after grieving the death of our cat, Zoya. We were committed to doing everything we could to keep her around but in the end didn't have a choice. She was too sick.

In early 2010, we adopted 2 cats from the Humane Society. We love cats so much and are adjusting (as are they) to a busier house with two plus a preschooler.

The Green Book has been committed to staying in business, through the thick and thin. The next issue will be the 20th edition! Very few small publications are continually publishing at that age. For the 20th year, I'm holding a contest on our Facebook site from January-May, 2011. There will be other public events, too, like ribbon cuttings involving The Medford-Jackson County and Grants Pass Chambers.

This quote embodies those of us that keep on going, despite roadblocks:

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action,
and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”- Zig Ziglar

So - let's all commit to support small business. Some of the media hype makes people panic and create their own problems. Think positive–the mind is a powerful thing! As Americans, we have a history of fighting back and speaking out. Embrace that!

Be sure to check out our Web site, www.BizWithHeart.com, where there is a complete list of locations you can find The Green Book. You can look up the same listings that are in the print edition— but there are also additional listings that are not in the print edition (as well as updated versions). Right about the time this issue was released (June 2010), we ventured into the wonderful world of blogs to get Green Book advertisers more internet exposure. The blog may change locations right after press time, though, so please E-mail or call me for that information.

Bizwithheart91@aol.com