To steal a turn of phrase from Abraham Lincoln, we in this year of independence of the United States the two-hundred thirty-second do here highly resolve that these resolutions shall not be made in vain.

Whoa! We all start out the New Year filled with earnest good cheer and a raft of resolutions that will make our lives better in 2008. We do so with all good intentions in spite of our knowledge that the road to hell is indeed paved with them.

But, nonetheless, many of us try to come up with lists of some sort that we vow to adhere to—and actually do, for a few days, maybe a week, for some worthy few even a month—but, humans that we are, we slip up.

“Just one cigarette. Just that one piece of candy. It’s only a small dessert. It’s just a swear word. I’ll only have one drink. I’ll never cheat (lie, steal) again. I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.”

As I said, it’s that uneven trek down that road to perdition.

So, secure in the certain knowledge that we will fail to keep our resolutions, why make them anyway? Is there some sort of perverse masochism at work here, where we must fail so we can suffer the pangs of conscience over having failed? Or must we suffer so we can fail?

That’s way too much psychological mumbo-jumbo for me to assimilate let alone write sensibly about. Suffice it to say, I believe we generally make resolutions because we (a) really to want to improve ourselves and (b) because we want to feel proud that we tried to improve ourselves, even when/if we know that we are doomed to fail.

Trying to be better can actually make us better, I think. At least for a time around the fresh start that a new year brings we can look to new life and better times ahead.

In keeping with that thought, while it’s still that time in this brand new year when we’re still filled with the residue of good cheer and good times left over from Christmas, not yet bogged down in the depth of winter and but still feeling good enough about things to make some wishes for 2008 for some area people who deserve them.

So, here’s wishing...

...Mike Skarr, just retired as president of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, a fruitful third career as he helps get DuPageBiz off and running.

...Roger Hopkins, Skarr’s new boss as executive director of DuPageBiz, a quick start in his economic development and retention efforts.

...Bob Schillerstrom, DuPage County Board Chairman, the small tax hike needed to keep county government from losing too many vital jobs.

...Mayors Bill Mueller of Lombard and Tom Marcucci of Elmhurst, continued growth in their cities to match their enthusiasm for their jobs.

...John Grueling, Will County economic development wizard, business and community support to meet the challenges of rapid growth.

...Jim Ryan, a man of class, ethics and grace, continued ability to persevere through personal tragedy and sorrow while in the public eye.

...Richard Greene, incoming president/CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, the good will and business support he’ll need to step into the big shoes left by Mike Skarr.

...Sandra Westlund-Deenihan, president of Quality Float Works in Schaumbug, the desire to continue as the strong and outspoken voice for the U.S. manufacturing industry both here and in the nation.

...Brian McPartlin, executive director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, open roads and lots of I-Pass sales.

...Phil Bus, Kane County development czar, the patience to deal with the unending demands of ongoing development.

...all the volunteers and paid staffers of the not-for-profits in our vast area who do so many good things for so many people, the continued grace to ask nicely and the courage to handle turndowns.

...the college presidents in the area, all the talented students, faculty and staff they need to lead their institutions to greatness.

...all the talented people at the area convention and visitors’ bureaus who work so hard to promote hospitality for business, the monetary support they need to lure meetings and conventions.

...all the free-lancer writers, commentary writers and other contributors to these pages, our thanks for work well done and hopes that we’ll see more of the same in 2008.

...my colleagues at The Business Ledger, good selling and good writing in the year ahead.

Contact editor Don Kopriva at dkopriva@thebusinessledger.com or at 630-428-8788.