Letter from the Editor

Angela Martin

2008 is certainly a year that we will all remember for a lot of reasons, some good and some we would rather move past and forget. It seems that the economy has been top of mind for as long as we can remember. But there are other events of 2008 worth noting:

• Presidential Primaries started off the year
• In sports: The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship, the NY Giants took the Super Bowl and the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series
• Fidel Castro announced his resignation as President of Cuba
• Total lunar eclipse in North & South America, Europe, Africa and Western Asia
• The Writers Guild of America Strike ended, bringing TV back
• The loss of Great American actor Charlton Heston
• Bill Gates stepped down from daily duties to concentrate on philanthropic activities
• The Olympics and Michael Phelps' 8 Gold Medals!
• The untimely death of Bernie Mac, actor and comedian
• Hurricane Ike made landfall in Texas
• "Dancing with the Stars"
• Screen legend and well known philanthropist, Paul Newman, lost his battle with cancer
• And we ended the year electing the first African American President of the United States, Barack Obama

Even with all of the events swirling around us, it's time to look to a new year. 2009 is only weeks away and with it brings new media plans, new marketing ideas and a new look at the make up of consumers. The articles in this issue will help you understand the changing attitudes and habits of consumers, how franchisees can survive in this tough economic time and what consumers are thinking when it comes to making grocery purchases.

As you look back on 2008, I hope that you find your own events to remember.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Angela Martin, Editor
marketingsolutions@valassis.com

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