2009: The Challenge

By the time you read this you will no doubt have grown sick of all the recaps of 2009.  We have all heard the news stories, the “Years in Review” and the wrap ups talking about how difficult 2009 proved to be.  And yes, neither the personal care industry nor ROSS was spared. 

But, just as we have heard the negative recaps, we have heard the inspirational quotes and stories about being resilient, “fighting against the tide” and standing up to the challenges that test you.  I would much rather focus on these quotes than dwell on another sound-bite about 2009 looking like 1929.

A challenge reveals who you really are as a person.  On a business level, a challenge reveals a company’s true character. Only in adversity do you really understand your character, your abilities, your strengths and weaknesses.  This difficult year forced us to examine our business and really think about our position in the marketplace. 

In the face of challenges unmatched in our 23 year history, what has been revealed in that “look in the mirror” is a collective group of people who have both the drive and talent to maintain a positive outlook and overcome adversity.  I’ve seen “above and beyond” dedication, extraordinary focus, resolve, excitement, enthusiasm and strength.   What I have seen has been both inspiring and humbling and has made me extremely proud to be a part of this family, a part of this team and a part of this company.  What 2009 has given us is confidence – confidence in the knowledge that we will overcome these difficult times and what is yet to come.

As always, at this time of year, I’d like to thank our customers who, facing the same challenges, continued to trust in our abilities.  Likewise, it is important that we also thank our suppliers for their trust and enduring loyalty.   For some of you our relationship has developed over decades.  For some, only a matter of months.  In either case, 2009 presented neither the first, nor last tough time we will face together.  But I think we all have learned that working together we can meet these challenges and come out stronger as a result. 

Finally, I want to thank the dedicated employees of ROSS Organic.  Whether out on the road, in the office or in the warehouse it is your spirit that truly reveals who we are as a company – in good times and bad.

- Bill Ross