The holidays have always been a time for me to reflect on the year that has just passed and to envision the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. In fact, the vision that became SPORTS & LEISURE RESEARCH GROUP emanated from several previous December planning sessions and introspections.

As the year draws to a close, I would be remiss without offering my most sincere appreciation to all of our clients, business partners and colleagues who have helped make 2009 an unequivocal success for SPORTS & LEISURE RESEARCH GROUP. Together, we've uncovered new insights and explored ways to more effectively bring our customers' attitudes, perceptions and behaviors to light as we confronted a challenging economy and shifting values and purchase behaviors.

I addressed some of these shifting consumer values in my November 2009 article on Media Post's Marketing: Sports. My December posting builds from that premise by reviewing how media, leisure and sports properties can leverage their unique audience and customer relationships through research, to strengthen the value that they provide to advertisers, sponsors and other business partners. You can download both of these articles from the “In The News” section of our website. You can also learn more about my participation in the National Sports Marketing Network's roundtable discussion on ROI measurement, earlier this month.

These are dynamic and exciting times to be involved in marketing and research. As the holidays culminate, I am especially thankful for all of the great people that we have opportunity to interact with. I look forward to continuing that spirit of partnership in 2010 and wish you only success in the year ahead.