A friend of mine e-mailed me the other day about a local store and how I should try to get over there because they were going out of business and had some great closeout sales.

I didn’t know what to think at first. Who doesn’t love a good sale? But then I started thinking deeper into it and it actually made me sad. This wasn’t just another “Going Out of Business Sale.” I wondered how many sleepless nights the owner must have had, worrying about how much money they were losing and how much longer they would be able to keep their doors open. And, how heartbroken they must have been, when after a long consideration and weighing the options, they decided it was best to shut the doors.

Every business, no matter the size, is feeling some of the effects of this economy right now. There are several things that business owners can do to weather the economic storm. The worst thing you can do is just sit back and hope that your business will survive.

This edition of America’s Best we focus on what you can do to survive the economic downturn.

Health insurance affordability has always been a top concern for small businesses. Check out page 24 for our cover story, “Affordable Healthcare Alternative,” a story detailing the five different Careington healthcare discount plans that are now available to members of America’s Best Companies for a minimal cost. To learn more, visit abcbestcare.com.

Investing in innovation is more important than ever during a recession. You can’t afford not to do it. We talk to experts Tom Koulopoulos of the Delphi Group and author, innovation consultant and speaker, Stephen Shapiro, about how innovation can benefit your business during this recession.

One of the biggest challenges facing business owners in a recession is dealing with a cash flow crisis. Whether they are having trouble with paying bills or meeting payroll, many entrepreneurs are having a hard time making ends meet. Small business owner Rusty Luhring shares his 10 Tips to Survive a Cash-Flow Crisis.

We are going to be adding a new section to the magazine featuring even more members of America’s Best Companies. Small business owners will be able to use the publicity they get from being a member of ABC to their advantage. Yet another low-cost strategy that could help your business during these tough financial times.

We welcome your feedback. If there is a specific topic you’d like to see discussed, or if you have an interesting story about your business, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at lynn@gowithabc.com. We want to be your source for helpful information on all aspects of business to make your company successful.

All the best,

Lynn Celmer | Managing Editor