After 20 years, I am just able to let go of many responsibilities and not worry that my 'baby' will suffer. In fact, I realize that, like any child, the time has come when it needs more than I can give it. That's probably because the grown up baby is safe in the hands of my business 'family.'

I am fortunate to be surrounded by people that I trust completely, who feel committed to the business, their second family, and know how important they are to its success. At the very heart of the business is Nikki Douglas who has been with me nearly 15 years and is as competent a woman as I've had the pleasure of knowing, I've watched her grow from a smart but impetuous youth into a capable, clever, and creative woman who is now The Shopper's General Manager. In many ways, watching employees grow and become invested in the success of the business, just as I became invested in their success, is part of the maternal aspect I'm describing.

The people in a small business do become family, it's inevitable. The 'family' may be a happy, functional family, just as any traditional blood family may be, or it can be a dysfunctional one, but a family it does become.

Along with Nikki, Shelley Hess has been a central member of the family for 13 years now. The most spectacular ad designs over the years have been the brainchildren of this exceptional artist. Shelley left the business for greener pastures way back when, but came back as soon as we had an opening to ask, 'Can I come home?' There were, she said, more important things than money. Thank you, God.

Lin Olsen was also lured away from 'home' once and I was not surprised that any other business would want her. But she came back to be our Public Relations Director, 'by popular demand on both sides,' she laughs. Quite frankly, after working with Lin for 5 years, we know there isn't anyone quite like her. When her husband retires from his military career in 2 years, he'll have to stay here or take all the rest of us with him. Lin is the cheerleader in our 'family' and we missed that too much when she was gone for half a year.

Maryellen Farley joined the staff 4 years ago also. Now she does freelance writing for us. Maryellen is a natural writer and is also a talented artist who fills in for us when we need her designing talents. She also runs our annual party or our clients. Maryellen shines at parties. Maryellen is a party!

Martha Frugard has been selling ads for us since 1997, although we know she should be on stage doing stand-up comedy. She is a natural wit and keeps us amused through thick and thin. In one particularly dark and thankfully brief period, it was Martha and me and Pat Higgins, (who had just started working with us part time) handling sales for all 8 of our Shoppers. And we were 'knocking 'em dead.' That was when we knew we'd make it, no matter what.

Martha also introduced us to Julie Burley, her childhood chum, who is now our office manager. If you've ever called The Shopper, chances are good that Julie answered the phone and you had a good laugh together. Any regular caller now wants to talk to Julie for a bit first, just as all of us do throughout the day. She's our anchor and her laugh cheers us as much as her compassion buoys us. Once Julie got self confidence in the job, she made it her own and now we just stand back in awe.

Hedy Hekler, our community editor, has been my friend for 2 decades, but has worked in the business just the last few. She is as delightful a representative for us in the community as there is and has also developed into a writer of extraordinary talent. Once she writes a feature on any of our clients, they want her permanently assigned to them.

Pat Higgins not only sells, but can also write and design the ads. Pat's a gem. She's just begun her second year with us.

Eda Vlahos is still in her first year with us. What an artistic talent! Eda does design work for us along with her own business of painting extraordinary portraits. We know that her God-given talent will someday take her away from us as demand grows for her work. In a family, that is always okay.

Sharon Baxter was referred to us by a good friend to whom we are now very beholden. Sharon is a true professional who loves selling and whose clients are already raving about her to us. She too is in her first year, the first of many we believe.

Just joining us as we expanded the 'family' are several gifted people. Becky Coker is a delightful young graphic designer who worked for us a few years ago and has just come 'home again.' Therese Vavre is now our North Carolina community editor, whose talents are so comprehensive that we have barely begun to scratch the surface of what she has to offer us. Jackie Hughes is a graphic designer who already seems like she's been with us for years. And Debra Calloway Bowden is our account executive for our Hilltop - Oceanfront Shopper. We waited a long time to find just the right person and we knew it was Debra right away - a class act.

We have a whole host of 'relations' out there who are an integral part of our success, but not on the day to day staff. They are like 'first cousins.' Betsy Patterson has been a booster for us since 1990 and helps in our hiring process. Ken Ablett, our own Garrison Keiler, contributes wonderful columns. Terry Young, our favorite Englishman, created our website and keeps improving it. Steve Urso sees that our increasingly extensive and integral computer network keeps humming and that we buy the right equipment.

Rock White, whose fantastic accounting firm has been helping me to work 'on' not 'in' my business, asked me a few months ago, 'What would happen to your business if you were gone and out of touch for a month?' It didn't take me any time to answer, 'Nothing.' Then he asked, 'Six months?' I hesitated just a moment and realized, ' Nothing!'

That's the way it is in a good business 'family.' When one member is out of town, the rest carry on. My 'baby' grew up and is safe with the 'family.' Lucky me.