December 31, 2009 - “Who among us can deny that 2009 was a landmark year? Like most years since 2001, our industry had its share of significant successes, difficult challenges, and unfortunate disappointments. The difference is—as we look ahead into 2010, putting a decade of the 21st century behind us—we are able to build on the newfound optimism that began in 2009 with a new White House and a discernible uptick in the economy.”