As much as we enjoy spending time with family and friends during the holidays, my wife Lauren and I always look forward to the beginning of a new year. As we reflect back on 2011 and everything that has happened during that time, the first thing we wonder is – where did the time go? Also, and I think we share this feeling with many of our readers – the New Year is an opportunity to establish new goals and resolutions.

One of our New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to continue to bring you a magazine full of relevant information that is focused on promoting locally owned and operated businesses. In these tough times, small businesses are the ones that need everybody’s support to weather the tough economic conditions.  As you know, when you frequent local establishments, those dollars you are spending stay right here in our communities to help grow our local economy. You can see the effect we all can have just by driving around the area.

Speaking of new beginnings, in this issue we have added a LIVING section to the magazine. Our Living section will be a regular section, featuring timely topics every issue. For example, in this issue we focus on Home & Garden, and future sections will include topics on Health & Wellness, Family and many more. Also, we continue to improve our website www.incitymag.com on a daily basis and now you can find and like us on Facebook as well.

Here at Incity Magazine, one thing we appreciate is letters from you, our readers, telling us how much you enjoy our magazine and what a great resource it is for our area. In fact, just after ringing in the New Year we received an e-mail from a gentleman that brought a smile to our faces. Here is an excerpt from his e-mail.

“My mother and I live in Toledo, Ohio, and periodically we meet my sister in northwestern Indiana, where we trade Mom off to go to Illinois with my sister or back to Toledo. This could be a tedious trip but for your magazine, that has introduced me to the charm of this area. Whether I have an hour, a day or weekend, you have something for me to explore. Please keep up the good work seeking out the unique shops, unusual restaurants, delightful town centers, special events and ongoing local happenings.”

Speaking of local happenings, make sure to check out the Magical Ice Carving Festival February 10-12^th in downtown St. Joe. This wonderful event offers lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy for a great time. Also, with Spring right around the corner, it’s never to early to start planning those projects. The Porter County Home & Lifestyle show will take place the weekend of March 9^th at the Porter County Expo Center, and the Lake County Show will be held the weekend of March 23^rd at the Lake County fairgrounds.

To all of our readers, we sincerely wish you a safe, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Best regards,