Editor’s Notes

Had we the time and space, I would invite each and every one of the Blue Ridge Business Journal's 16,000-some readers to our downtown Roanoke offices to share the "20 Under 40" Emerging Leaders selection experience with us. Although there are whispers of good news for business in the air, times are still tenuous and we're not through this (yet). And if ever one needed a big shout of encouragement, scanning through the applications for the Journal's annual Emerging Leaders issue (out August 25th) might just leave your ears ringing.

This year—for the first time in the Journal's 21-year legacy—we've opened up the nomination process to you, our readers. You did not disappoint. We've already received nearly 60 applications for the 20 coveted spots, and they're still pouring in. We've learned about some amazing people and organizations going above and beyond to make our regional business community a better place to live and work. Professionals and companies that could have perhaps just as easily blazed a successful path in larger markets, but chose to make their mark right here—and we're all the better for it.

For us, now comes the hard part: calling references, digging through research, and ultimately, choosing the honorees.

By the time this issue hits your mailbox, the nomination process for the Emerging Leaders issue will be closed. We appreciate your enthusiastic engagement—and hope you will mark your calendar to participate next year (we'll open the process up again next Spring).

Whether I'm sifting through the towering pile of "20 Under 40" nomination forms, or vetting the information we gather for this publication's pages, two common themes emerge as foundational to success: engagement and adaptability. Especially in times like these, those who are out there in the community, and those who are embracing of change, seem the most likely to weather this storm. And by "success," I don't refer exclusively to the traditional, narrow definition: those companies still enjoying profits and growth, for example, or those professionals who are rocking their jobs, gliding up the corporate ladder with apparent ease. Sadly, there have been plenty of great companies forced to slash their workforce or even worse, close for good. And by extension, there are plenty of great people out there looking for work. I see these professionals at various networking events, pumping hands, making connections. If they are feeling defeated, they certainly don't let it show. And slowly—anecdotally perhaps, but it's happening nonetheless—I watch as opportunities emerge for them. Many of my peers have busied themselves with launching a new business. Others are laying a foundation as successful freelance professionals. Some are even (at long last, perhaps) snagging great jobs with great companies. All of them keep their heads held high and do what it takes to persevere.

Call me the hopeless optimist, but if these observations are in any way indicative of the business spirit of Southwest and Central Virginia, I know we're going to come out of this o.k.

The staff of the Journal—a business like any other—is busy engaging and adapting too. That's one reason we've opened up the "20 Under 40" nomination process to you. That's one reason you'll see us at many of the area's business events, eager to meet you and hear your stories. We rely on you as much as you rely on us—for stories, sure, for expertise, absolutely. And for inspiration too. Keep writing us, keep calling, keep sharing. Together we will continue to honor the Journal's legacy as the most trusted source for regional business news. Together we will continue to honor the region's legacy as one of the most resilient and innovative business communities in the nation.