As we neared the end of 2007, warning signs were beginning to emerge of an economic slowdown. In 2008, these signs accelerated and transformed into a state of volatility and uncertainty for the U.S. and global economies.

Many events contributed to make this a reality. The housing and credit crises continued to mobilize. Gas prices soared as the cost of oil peaked in the summer at around $140 a barrel. The banking industry was taken by storm as many reputable, storied banks went bankrupt, merged or required rescuing. The U.S. government approved an historic $700 billion economic bailout. A hard-fought presidential election dominated headlines, bringing long-debated issues like healthcare, immigration and education reform back into the national dialogue.

These monumental economic and political developments did not happen in isolation. In fact, they impacted all of us in our everyday roles as consumers, homeowners, voters, tax payers, and particularly as workers.

And, while there are certainly major challenges to overcome in 2009 to get our worlds back on track, these are our challenges. From employee to employer, citizen to politician, and consumer to business owner, the road back to stability and economic growth will once again be paved by the skills, perseverance, innovation and hard work of the American workforce in 2009.

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