Progress editions offer hopeful signs

Both the winter and recession are far from over, but the calendar and this week's Progress editions in the McCook Daily Gazette both show that there's plenty of hope for the end of both.

Small businesses need all the help they can get, but no stimulus plan or low interest loan can substitute for old-fashioned ambition and ingenuity, as evidenced by the number of small start-up businesses that have survived and grown into established local institutions.

From local banks to construction businesses, restaurants, entertainment establishments, retailers and service industries, local businesses are ready to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

Thanks to Jeremy Blomstedt, special editions director, and every other member of the editorial, advertising and production staff, this week's editions promise to be interesting and encouraging reading for anyone with a stake in the local economy -- and that includes all of us.