It’s the time of year when many of us often pause to look both backward and forward as we contemplate the year behind us and lay plans for the one ahead. It’s in this final issue of the year that the gang here at Volume One takes stock of all the great (and not-so-great) things that happened across the Chippewa Valley during the last 12 months with our annual Year In Review Quiz. You can test your knowledge of all the year’s big stories at VolumeOne.org/yearinreview2017.

To me, while the look back is obviously fun, my interest has always been in what lies ahead. Most importantly, how we can collectively shape what takes place in our community going forward? It’s starting to feel like a lot of the Valley is on the same page and we’re all pulling in the same direction these days. And it’s working. In 2018 we’ll see many positive developments both big and small. The Confluence Arts Center will open. Both Chippewa Falls and Altoona will roll out their riverfront parks. The Sonnentag event center project in Eau Claire will gain steam. Several new retailers, restaurants, and other businesses are poised to open all across the Valley. And – if you’ll allow a self-serving plug – we here at Volume One will launch our first-ever Best Night event at the Lismore Hotel on Feb. 9. It’s going to be an amazing party celebrating the Best of the Chippewa Valley, and the honorees of the brand-new Chippewa Valley Vanguard Awards, sponsored by Charter Bank. Tickets go on sale Jan. 5, and you find those and more info at VolumeOne.org/bestnight. Here’s to a great year behind us and another one ahead. See you out there!