2008 In Our Rear View Mirror

These days it seems everyone has a story about stressful economic times. Fortunately, ours is upbeat! We’re ending 2008 in a strong market position; and we’re looking ahead to 2009 with excitement.

Dennis Kenny, President and Co-Founder

Let me share a few highlights.

Introducing IlluminAge . . . It was just a year ago that we introduced our new tradename, IlluminAge Communication Partners. It’s been a smooth transition, with few or no bumps in the road. Our clients seem to have taken to our new name – and we have, as well. One note, though: this month we have finally – and with a tinge of sadness -- decommissioned our trusty old web domain, “caresource.com.” So, if you still have any of us in your email address book with email “@caresource.com,” please switch to the new addresses listed at www.illuminAge.com.

Break the Chain 2008. Infection prevention has long been our biggest seller in our line of training videos and DVDs. This popular video package was updated, expanded, and re-released earlier in the year, and continues as our top selling video title.

Double the Web Content Plug-ins. This year we nearly doubled the number and scope of web content plug-ins we offer. These create new opportunities for our regular web clients. And we also offer them a la carte to organizations looking for additional depth in their website, but without having to change their primary web services vendor. New and expanded plug-ins include: 360º virtual tours, electronic newsletters, community resource and information centers, blogs and discussion forums, and audio and video streaming.

Upward Pressure on Prices. Not all indicators are positive, of course. Like all of our clients, our costs have climbed steadily over the past year: paper up 20%; freight rates up 6%; health care coverage up 19%. We have tightened our belt and held the line on our rates this year, but you will see rate increases of between 5 and 10% beginning in January, except, of course, for contractual obligations where we’ve agreed to fixed rates.