A community's image is defined by the various brush strokes of human behavior and interpretation. That's why the Albemarle region, which almost always is associated with its rivers, sounds and woodlands, can lay claim to natural beauty as one of its defining attributes. Historical, friendly, generous and pleasantly paced also are among the descriptions that readily come to mind.

Less obvious but just as vital as a defining quality are the personal interaction, cooperation and commitment of residents in their roles as workers.

The work that goes on in a single week, a single day, yes, even a single hour, in many ways illustrates a community's image. The types of work may vary greatly from county to county or town to town, but how people view their work and the greater contribution of their labors says much about each community.

Additionally, unanticipated factors, and how residents respond to them, also affect image. What should be obvious about northeastern North Carolina is that it is changing across all fronts — cultural, social, economic. Hardly a day passes when residents don't feel some new impact — immediate or future — on their lives.

As in many communities, technology has been driving the pace of change here, and it will continue to affect and drive changes in our future.

Technology is assuredly defining and redefining the workplace. So, how residents respond to the challenges and opportunities brought by technology eventually will define the character of the Albemarle.

For this year's Progress and Review edition, we've focused on

Albemarle residents as workers, contributors and, in effect, definers of the Albemarle image.

Our staff interviewed almost three dozen residents representing a wide range of the region's occupations. We've asked them to define their work and its role in the community. The answers they've given are revealing on many levels.

We hope you enjoy reading our 2008 Progress and Review edition and discovering — or rediscovering — how all of our work contributes to the place we call the Albemarle.

— Michael Goodman, editor