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The American Spirit remains strong

It has been weeks since the "day that terror struck". How will it effect our business? What is our future? As a Certified Reference Material Manufacturer, we have the unique opportunity to interact with a large cross-section of industry in the Americas and abroad. I have noticed that people are slowly, but surely getting back into the routine of going about their business. It may have slowed us down, but it did not crush the American Spirit. We are indeed recovering from the shock of that fateful day.

I took my first plane ride since the terrorist attacks to present a paper at the FACSS meeting in Detroit. The heightened airport security provided another reminder that our way of life has been changed forever. However, in spite of such reminders, at the conference I was greeted by an atmosphere of optimism.

Our country was in a recession before the attacks and we are in one today. I listen to CNN, read financial reports, etc. and I have no idea what the future holds based upon these sources. Talk to any three economists and you will get three different opinions. They are seeing a stock market that is showing signs of recovery and the basic focus is not limited to recovery, but it also includes improvement and prevention.

I have made a point of speaking with a number of industries involved in a wide variety of activities. All of the people I speak to are optimistic, focused, and looking forward to a brighter industrial future. I think I have gotten a better feel for the true American Spirit these past few weeks than in all of my years prior. That spirit is strong, determined, and bold.

We, at Inorganic Ventures will do all we can to remain focused on continuing to provide our customers with the best possible products and technical support, as always. We, too, are a part of that American Spirit -- a united people, strong, resolute, and optimistic.

We encourage you to share your comments regarding America's new challenges. You can e-mail me personally at pgaines@ivstandards.com to discuss your thoughts and concerns.