On behalf of the staff of the Snoqualmie Valley Record, I’d like to express sincere thanks to our readers for their support of the Record in 2008. As we have since 1913, we look forward to another year of weaving the many colorful threads of local stories, events and personalities that make each week’s Record an ongoing tapestry of the lives of the people of the Valley.

I would also like to extend my personal gratitude to the folks from all quarters of the Valley who have stopped by the Record office to say hello and offer me a warm welcome as the new publisher.

As I begin to settle into the publisher’s chair, there are two things about this valley that have struck me right away: how intertwined the people are — everyone knows or has a connection with everyone else in the business and residential communities and how strongly the people of this valley selflessly donate time, talent and treasure to local organizations, not only to education and sports, but to the many local non-profits that make this a better place to live, or that give a helping hand to those less fortunate.

As I ‘pound the pavement’ around downtown Snoqualmie, North Bend and Fall City, it also strikes me how strongly the businesses are deeply entwined with their neighbors who live here. And, that these neighbors make a point of shopping at businesses close to home. Looking back through old yellowed copies of the Record, the same ethos rang true years ago:

“Valley Merchants are sponsoring (ads) in the Record this week, stressing ‘Buy Snoqualmie Valley’. Citizens are urged to patronize them where ever possible. Every dollar spent here helps…. That dollar will stay here and do its share in helping the district forge ahead.”

Published during the challenging economic times of March 1933, these simple lines express a necessity that is as vital today as it was then — to shop locally. When we have a strong retail environment, we have a vibrant community in general. Shopping locally also provides jobs to our families, brings revenue to our cities and schools and lifts us up as a whole.

In my first and last Op-Ed of 2008, I urge you all to think about giving back time or treasure to organizations in the community you live in, to shop locally and, of course to make sure you stay informed and read the Valley Record.

Happy New Year from the corner of River Street and Falls Avenue.