If, like me, you would like to take a short break from all of the challenges of this moment in history, I encourage you to spend 24 hours in Shelby County as told on the pages of Profile 2009, included in today’s newspaper.

Those of us fortunate enough to live, work and raise our family here know of the countless people who make living here so wonderful; you’ll find some of their stories in this special edition, many of which are sure to be surprises to you.

Not unlike a school, church, business or family, people make the difference in our county. We are all fortunate, indeed blessed, to live in a community where friends, neighbors, strangers and leaders have and continue to go about making a difference while serving our county. Telling their stories is the driving force behind today’s special Profile edition.

These warm but simple stories of everyday life can provide a much-needed escape from the dominant news of the day; they also provide an opportunity to catch a side of our community we seldom see.

The most anticipated part of the annual Profile edition is the announcement of Shelby County’s Person of the year. While never an easy selection, we expect you will find this year’s recipient, Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock, most worthy of the honor. Dudchock has worked for years to improve the quality of life within our county; from parks and infrastructure to fiscal responsibility, he has helped shape our community perhaps more so than any other individual in recent history.

And he has done so at a pace that amazes those that know him best. The full story can be found on page four of the Profile edition inside today’s newspaper.

It has been an exciting challenge to bring this special edition to you; one that we hope you will find was worth the effort. It certainly was our pleasure to bring it to you.