Editor's Note: A Time To Reflect, A Time To Plan

Over the past 12 months, we've heard amazing stories from readers, event attendees, and others that our reporters have interviewed. There have been stories of unimaginable devastation, sorrow, and grief. But there also have been stories of strength, guts, resilience, rebuilding, and regeneration. There was Greg, who felt guilty for giving his wife false hope that he had escaped the burning tower, only to be knocked to the ground by debris moments after his cell phone call to her. But he got back on his feet, aided others, and helped his company get moving again quickly. There were businesses that squeezed employees, some covered with dust and soot, into temporary spaces with little equipment but who kept business moving; volunteer organizations that responded to the call to action; technology companies that donated equipment and backup facilities to those in need; businesses that delivered needed IT equipment despite the airline lockdown; companies sharing space and resources with their direct competitors; a national newspaper that managed to get an issue printed on the evening of Sept. 11, even though its Wall Street offices were evacuated.

In this week's issue, we focus on where we stand today and where we're headed. You'll read about how the New York Board of Trade is still operating from temporary offices, but its quest for innovation endures. It continues to develop new technologies and services designed to improve trading efficiency. It's building collaborative business relationships that are unprecedented, and it's getting a wireless project back on track ("Forward Strides"). You'll see how companies and government agencies have altered their business-continuity plans ("New Priorities"), and how information-security policies have changed ("On The Alert").

It's still difficult for many people to talk about or read about Sept. 11. The events were just too heartbreaking. But others find it helpful to talk about their 9/11 experience: where they were at the time the planes hit the towers or the Pentagon, how they reacted, the people they called, what they were feeling, how their lives changed from that day on.

You'll find some thoughtful, caring, and provocative stories at our Listening Post. Some folks shared their experiences of being in the World Trade Center that morning, helping out at the Pentagon, having a baby that day, ways to remember, and more. You'll also find some nonsense, rants, and comments you may or may not agree with, but that just reflects another great thing about living in this country: the freedom to express yourself.

Stephanie Stahl
Editor
[email protected]

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To find out more about Stephanie Stahl, please visit her page on the Listening Post.