When I picked up my mail over the weekend, there was an oversized envelope in the mix from the Presidential Inauguration Committee. Inside was a "personal" invitation to the January 20 inauguration, complete with an embossed gold seal and facsimiles of signatures by Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Of course I realize the invitation is one of millions just like it sent to campaign contributors (apparently even those who gave incredibly small amounts), and it really only reflects the fact that the Inauguration is open to the American public. But the piece of paper reminds me that we will soon witness the peaceful transfer of our government's power and the beginning of a highly-anticipated new administration.

That anticipation is combined with cautious optimism for many. The news out of the nation's capital has been so bad for so long that we are eager for any glimmer of hope. President-elect Obama has so far demonstrated a quiet confidence that inspires us to think that maybe he really can do something about the mess in which the country finds itself. His choices for advisers and staff seem competent, intelligent and knowledgeable. His reactions to the economic chaos appears thoughtful and considered.

We can only hope that ideologies don't get in the way of progress as the new Administration and the Congress wrestle with all the zeroes that are being tacked on to economic recovery plans. I'm sure most Americans are tired of political maneuvers and blame games. It's time for every elected official, and all their employees, to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

It's no secret that things are tough out there right now. Sure, Boeing is laying off 4,500 employees, but the headlines don't necessarily capture the pain being felt by the small business with 5 employees. While governments and corporations struggle to trim millions from their operating expenses, small businesses everywhere are searching for ways to trim a hundred here and there off costs that are already rock-bottom.

But let's all hang in there. I'm no economist, but I have faith that it's going to get better. And the great thing about living and working in a small town is that we can support one another through this difficult time, finding ways to keep doing business and providing jobs and helping our neighbors.

The Presidential Inauguration can be a starting point for an American resurgence, as our country emerges from years of bloat and greed with a leaner, more global view of our place on-and our responsibilities to--the planet. We're ready.

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