All of us have heard enough about the recession … and are certainly sick of the doom and gloom stories that dominated 2009. Most of us know individuals and even businesses that were directly affected. There are sad stories aplenty from the year that is about to close.

At CharlestonOrwig, we feel fortunate to have escaped with skins intact. There were some tense moments but we prevailed as a group. Many on our staff did outstanding jobs throughout the year. Our team is the best I have known here in the last seven years. Both sides of the business performed admirably and beyond, whether clients needed our support for reputation management or integrated marketing.

With that, here’s a quick report card on our 2009 related to the goals we set early in the year.

Retain all existing clients
Unfortunately, we did lose an account early in the year. It was probably gone in spirit late in 2008. But still…big disappointment.

Improve staff knowledge and capability
This we did and did it well. Our learning ranged from formal training from the likes of Microsoft to radically improved capability in social media to deeper understanding of client business.

Develop programs and relationships that will foster new business
It would have been soooo easy to cut spending here, but we didn’t. We spent as much or more than ever. It showed, I believe, with new business wins late in the year.

Continue as an employer of choice
We were able to avoid layoffs and hold the line on benefits. Summer barbecues, dog day, flexibility in the work day when needed continue. We understand, I believe, that people are our most important resource.

Manage for profit
Profits, yes. We will finish solidly in the black. Profit at the level we expect over time, no. We looked at this year as an investment with a belief that it was worth sacrificing some potential profit to maintain a strong organization for the future.

All in all, I am glad that 2009 is about to close. It was miserably difficult in a lot of ways. Despite that, we are in a good position for 2010 and quite optimistic about the year ahead.