Well, 2008 is over at last! I'm sure that most of us had a fine Thanksgiving - with plenty to be thankful for. As I write this in December, I, for one, am looking forward to a great Christmas and a New Year full of opportunities if I just know where to find them.
Let's face it. We're all probably glad to see 2008 go. Most, if not all of us, experienced a weak economic year. Some of us have had personal losses. But it's time to look ahead and to anticipate a challenging but potentially better 2009.
The glass is half full, and it's our job to fill it up! We won't do that by being negative because negativity feeds on itself, and it's contagious. So let's keep our eyes on the positives!
First and foremost, we have our families, our homes and our businesses. America will soon have a new president, who has promised us change. We have a banking industry that has regained its sense of priorities. We have the Rhode Island Builders Association, a strong group of professionals ready to help you when you need insurance, information, advice, training and education, and even day-to-day items such as construction documents. RIBA is there when you have legislative and local concerns, and to answer numerous other professional needs.

In addition, we live and work in a beautiful state that's a very desirable place for people to establish and maintain their homes. And that's the basis of our industry, whether we're builders or remodelers.

We have much to be grateful for, much to do and much to look forward to...even more so when we stand together as members of the best trade association in Rhode Island.

So let's take 2008 and add it to our store of knowledge and experience. Let's take what we've learned, move forward and confound the pundits! Let's make 2009 a great year!

Michael Artesani Sr. is president of the Rhode Island Builders Assn., East Providence and is with W. Artesani & Sons, Cranston.