As we look forward to the Ides of March, lengthening days and blessed warmth, I am finding a renewed optimism along the river. There is a confidence that 2003 promises to bring about a resurgence of activity and begin a period of growth.

As we await final word on Robbie Tozer's new laminated veneer plant, we anxiously look forward to hearing from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) on funding for the French Fort Cove Interpretative Centre. With luck this facility should be up and running by Christmas. Wouldn't a Christmas Party in the new building on Cove Road be a great way to finish off the year?

Wal-Mart should become a real presence. Like it or not, it will in a sense, put us on the map with other larger centres. Very probably they will bring along a couple of other tenants, as they often do; so we might end up with a Staples, Chapters or Future Shop, as well. Their arrival will save many Miramichiers from the hour drive to Bathurst or the longer run to Moncton or Fredericton.

Enterprise Miramichi is blossoming new wings and should soon be flying steady as it sets sight on attracting new enterprise to the area. When the first robins make their way into Miramichi, Enterprise Miramichi should be providing an important impetus to the 'wheels of progress" that will, hopefully became our "battle hymn". The effect of this group should bolster the efforts of our local tourism associations; the synergistic effects should do much to encourage and promote an influx of returning and first time tourists to our region.

Premier Bernard Lord came to Miramichi on February 25th to address the Chamber of Commerce. In his speech, he commented that his government would establish a working committee of businesspeople, local politicians, educators and esteemed peers to look into ways of helping Miramichiers attract new ventures and in so doing get focused on the resurgence that appears to be just within grasp of reaching fruition. Mr. Lord would not commit a dollar figure but in Campbellton/ Restigouche region, where a similar program was instituted in pervious years the joint provincial-regional costs amounted to $25,000,000. Now, how does that sound as a belated New Years bonus?

A few locals have told me that they've seen their "first robin of spring." So, I've been looking for some early signs of spring's arrival. You can't help but see the sun's ever growing arc and the rising sun at 7:00 A.M. and lingering alpenglow 'til after 7:00 gives promise of spring. But reports from Campbellton/ Bathurst and the winter games and the wall of ice in Chaleur Bay make one wonder if and when winter will relent and loosen it's grip. In the meantime we will have to let the glow of satisfaction from the promise of 2003 warm our hearts and strengthen our resolve until "Mother Nature" and the endless cycle of seasons vanquish the cold and allow us to fully enjoy the outdoor activities that still seem remote in the smothering cold.

Ten years from now we will all look back with fond feelings to the times of progress and growth that we are now about to embark upon. "Welcome spring and Happy 2003, 2004, 2005…"

Bill Kern is a recent arrival to the Miramichi. His work experience in sales is widely diverse and was mostly spent in Western Canada. His by-line "The Incoming Tide" ran weekly in the Miramichi Weekend from July 2002 to Christmas.