The new year tends to be a time of looking forward and setting goals. But I would like to dedicate this column to looking back at InsideCounsel's accomplishments in 2009 and extend my gratitude for all the hard work the entire InsideCounsel family has put forth.

In early December 2009, InsideCounsel received some great news! FOLIO–a magazine that caters to the publishing industry–had announced the winners of its 2009 Eddie and Ozzie Awards, which recognize both business-to-business and consumer publications for their accomplishments in editorial (Eddie) and design (Ozzie). FOLIO awarded our June 2008 cover story “Under Scrutiny” the bronze Eddie prize for a “ Single Article” in a business-to-business magazine in the banking/business/finance category.

I remember working on “Under Scrutiny” with the two writers, Senior Editor Mary Swanton and then-Associate Editor Melissa Maleske (now managing editor). The topic was delicate as it focused on general counsel coming under fire from federal prosecutors and SEC enforcement officials. Mary and Melissa wanted to give our readers an accurate, in-depth report that gave both the government enforcers and the targeted in-house counsel an opportunity to tell their sides of the story. Clearly, they accomplished that goal. And the Eddie award only underscores the quality of their exceptional writing and reporting on that piece.

Additionally, InsideCounsel–along with most companies–has experienced some hard times during this struggling economy. We saw layoffs, budget cuts and the institution of a furlough program in 2009. Working with fewer resources in less time has proved challenging for everyone on the team, but we've persevered. Thanks to the positive attitude of Tom Duggan, InsideCounsel's publisher, and the hard work of our sales and support teams, the magazine continues to be successful.

Looking forward, 2010 is sure to be a great year for InsideCounsel. Editorial slated for this year include relevant topics such as dealing with Gen-eration Y in the workplace and how legal departments are handling today's economy. This month, we're introducing Paying It Forward (“Willing Assistance,” p. 66) –our new monthly page profiling legal departments' pro bono initiatives. And stay tuned for more information about SuperConference 2010, scheduled for May 25-26 in Chicago, which is already shaping up to be a great event.

On the whole, 2009 has thrown a curve ball or two at all of us. But focusing on the highlights is what keeps us strong and motivates us to do our jobs even better. Happy 2010!