It can no longer be denied that the United States in the midst of a recession, yet despite everything, there are glimpses of good news: a slight rise in the stock market and businesses who are finding ways to survive are just two. So the wheels of our nation continue to turn, and, for better or worse, the government continues to turn the tide, leaving the nation to wonder exactly how and when we will reach the road to recovery.
It is important to realize that we are witnessing a restructuring of our country and it is neither the first nor the last time that the United States will experience such challenges. We must draw strength from our country’s history as a pioneer and innovator; we are a nation of survivors.  Therefore, for the spring issue of the Journal, we have chosen to highlight companies who mirror these qualities.
Survival Strategies
Denver Wire Rope and Supply is not going to deny that the current climate is a challenge; however, the team there has found ways to help keep their company vibrant. They have implemented additional services they can provide such as aiding with inspections and offering safety classes.  They have also adopted some green policies that save their customers money, such as reusing the wooden reels wire and rope come on.  
Marvel Abrasives is battening their hatches and relying on excellent customer service to help see the company through.  In the words of current president and CEO Les Branch, their customer relations are their “first line of defense and offense.” He sees the down economy as both a challenge and an opportunity to find ways to cut costs while maintaining quality.
Pioneers
From humble beginnings that began in 1902, the pioneers that founded 3M plowed through challenges that could have easily destroyed any business. Today, their products have not simply advanced with technology but have helped facilitate the fresh ideas that have made these sectors of the global economy what they are today.  In addition to being pioneers in their industry, in 2008 the EPA recognized 3M for having exceeded their goal set in 2002 to reduce their absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2007. 
Innovators
Fibrowatt is a company that deserves true accolade. As our nation continues to look for ways to reduce dependency on foreign oil, it has developed a way to derive energy from a most unlikely source: poultry litter.   Fibrowatt’s unusual ingenuity is a winner not only for creating a new energy source but for turning a waste that must otherwise be disposed, into a commodity.
Velocity Print Solutions is a pioneer in their industry for being green.  The company utilizes an impressive 100 percent wind power for all of its electrical needs and also helps customers achieve their green goals. 
At US Executive Journal we have faith that the tenacity and vision of the American people will persevere and we cannot wait to see what transpires in the coming months.