Despite my continued concern for our industry, I remain as optimistic as ever. These are not conflicting concepts. Rather, they are like driving an automobile: I am optimistic about reaching my destination, yet I am concerned that each turn, lane change, and so forth be done with care.

Currently, the pulp and paper industry is doing very well: just look at the PM40. We have had to swallow some bitter medicine, and we have done it. The bad news is that we will need to continue to ingest such medicine in the future--the economic forces will batter us forever in the future just as they have in the past.

There was and is no time of static calm. This is a good thing, for it continues to push competitors to do their very best, providing the best possible value to markets, shareholders, employees, and local communities.