Are we in recovery mode yet? If so, how long will it take? Will a recovery follow a “V” pattern, signalling robust growth, or will we fall into the “W” recovery where we have growth for a while and then fall back into recession?

These questions will likely persist for some time.

While some economists declared the recession over as early as the summer, it’s all but certain the painful recovery will drag well into 2010. We read about these so-called green spouts of recovery, but there are still some trouble areas. Unemployment remains high, and those with the money are cautious about where to invest.

The recession has whacked Alberta’s economy hard, touching every industry. Oil and gas. Construction. Yes, even publishing. Beginning next year, Alberta Construction Magazine will decrease the frequency of its print edition from six to four times a year. On the plus side, we’re working to revamp our website,  albertaconstructionmagazine.com, to offer additional content as well as a digital edition of the print magazine.

As the recession moves towards a recovery, Alberta Construction Magazine, through an initiative called “Recession to Recovery,” will show you how others are dealing with the downturn and preparing for a rebound. Hopefully you’ll come away with practical ways to improve your operation at the same time.

With this issue we’re introducing a new columnist. His name is Tim Sweet, owner of Revolve Business Consulting Ltd. of Calgary.

Tim describes himself as a profit-producing expert employed by aggressive Alberta businesses seeking growth and market dominance. Leaders who want changes and improvements that are quick and successful hire Tim’s team of dedi-cated coaches, who each specialize in specific business areas. As a published author, his original theories remain required reading for business students across Canada.

Unlike other consultants who simply borrow ideas, Tim has a track record of creating customized solutions that produce substantial results. (Check out his website, revolveconsulting.com, to learn more.) We think his column couldn’t come at a better time—this period of transition.

Hopefully the topics Tim writes about will help you find the answers to some of the challenges you face.

At the beginning of the year I began my editor’s note by citing the ancient Chinese saying, “May you live in interesting times.” I’d like to end 2009 by amend-ing it to, “May you live in uninteresting times."