It has occured to me that over the past year I have been encouraged to tell my story of transformation from fat, unfocused and in a dangerous situation to slim, focused and being in a healthier place many times.

Indeed, last night a friend called from Vancouver and had seen my photo in the magazine and was amazed at what had happened. She wanted to hear the whole story and at the end of our conversation she told me that she was going to start changing her  life.

It reminded me that Progress magazine (and all its ancillaries) has morphed into a story telling institution. Every issue tells a story...one that is intent on improving the prospects for entrepreneurs and their businesses; for their customers and suppliers and all the families involved. And to get the full benefit of the story, you have to read it from cover to cover - every part a carefully considered element of the whole.

Each year at Face to Face, the participants, speakers and sponsors discuss advancements in creativity and design in the growth of business. Where business is going, and particularly where business is going from an Atlantic Canadian perspective. The two day discussion and exploration of ideas informs the story that Progress will share with its growing audience for the next twelve months.

Ideas and their development are the strongest and longest lasting institution we know. At Face to Face innovative, creative and indeed "out-there" ideas are brought forward and dissected. The good ones are moved forward... the others are shelved for review at a future moment - none are discarded.

With Progress magazine reaching more than 100,000 readers each issue (and Progres reaching more than 20,000 French speaking readers), Face to Face is quickly becoming a powerful force for change and advancement - Atlantic Canadian style.

If you're going, good move, if you're not, you may want to consider it. You have ideas, vision and the courage to start and/or grow business and your story needs to be heard.