Now that 2009 has come and gone it is time to turn to what we can do to make 2010 the best year ever. For us here at The Tribune, that starts with focusing on our annual Profile edition.

For those who don’t know, Profile is our biggest project of the year and takes almost four months of hard work and community support.

The 100-plus page edition that publishes Feb. 28 features everything including the proverbial kitchen sink, all local stories and photos that showcase some of the great people, places and projects going on here in southern Ohio and the entire Tri-State.

Divided into eight sections, the goal of Profile is serve as a yearbook of sorts, offering snapshots of life in our region.

Life & Leisure tries to capture some of the hobbies, activities and recreational interests that keep people having fun. This year includes topics that range from archery to how cell phones have changed our lives to what it is like to be a teenager today.

Discovering the Tri-State serves as your virtual tour guide to some area attractions that might be a little off the beaten path and not get quite as much publicity as others. This year we will showcase a trip to Parkersburg, W.Va., a local car museum, Jenny Wiley State Park, Portsmouth’s beer brewery and many other destinations.

Business & Industry features some of the great success stories when it comes to standing strong even in this economy. From Allyn’s Jewelers starting its 80th year to an expanding business that started with port-a-potties to updates on the industrial parks, we try to show that southern Ohio is business friendly and those businesses can be a success.

Education & Excellence turns the spotlight on our great school systems, institutions of higher learning and career programs. Every district will be featured as we look into some of the courses that are training our youth for the real world.

Nothing is more important to any of us than our Health & Wellness. This is always among the largest sections and looks at important issues and ways to stay healthy and happy.

Two of the strongest characteristics of southern Ohio is the emphasis on Faith & Family. This section will include a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom and a trip down on the family farm.

And perhaps the most popular section delves into the Legends & Lore of the Tri-State. Features this year will include the story of a scuba diver who worked the collapse of the Silver Bridge, the tale of a local war hero, the story of the Rome Beauty Apple and a look into Lawrence County’s seedy underbelly that included a booming bootlegging industry during Prohibition.

The Tribune staff welcomes your ideas on all the sections but the final section wouldn’t be possible without your input. Our Heroes features our Citizen of the Year but also nearly a dozen Unsung Heroes nominated by you, our readers.

You will soon see the nomination form in the paper but there really isn’t any reason to wait. Tell us who you think needs to be recognized for going above and beyond in the community. Also feel free to offer story suggestions for any of the sections.

E-mail me, post them online or give me a call.

Profile 2010 is shaping up to be our best ever and wouldn’t be possible without all our loyal advertisers and readers who make it possible.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.