As the Goldman Mature Market Report completes its first year of service to senior executives in the long-term-care industry, this is a good time to look back and examine what was covered and why.

Started in March 2006, the GMMR ran a new news story nearly every weekday during the year, covering just under 200 subjects. In our first year, we wrote original stories on topics that no other media were examining — all focused to keep top executives in the senior-living industry informed about crucial issues that impact your business. They ranged from the critical labor shortage you face to the continuous employee turnover to the ramifications of employee engagement issues to sex – straight and gay — in your communities.

We offered opinions on critical topics ranging from proposed federal legislation for 2007 to how the turndown in the housing market would likely affect business in the senior-living industry. We even did two series — on the effects Hurricane Katrina has had on the industry in Louisiana and the growth of norovirus in senior-living communities.

In between, we brought you stories of a pot bust at a community, and what referral sources really think when they make those referrals.

It appears that you like what you’ve been reading. Our subscribers continue to grow, as do our read pages. If you have stories that you think should be covered, let us know. Our team of journalists is only too happy to follow through on the coverage. If you have opinions you want to express, either on our stories or on topics important to the industry, we’re ready to provide a place for you to do so. Next year, look forward to many more stories that no one is covering, but are crucial to your success as an executive.

As we close out 2006, I wish Happy New Year to our readers and best wishes for a very successful 2007.

Dean Goldman

Publisher

With the start of winter comes the annual outbreak of norovirus, an illness with such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Though usually short-lasting, the ailment is especially dangerous among the elderly.

Already, norovirus is striking senior communities around the country and in New Brunswick, Canada. In recent weeks, severe outbreaks have been reported from Sacramento to Southern California; in Lansing, Mich.; Billings and Laurel, Mont.; Lane County, Ore.; and Rochester, N.Y. One of the largest outbreaks thus far, sickening 85 seniors, was at Bonnie Brae Terrace in Marin County, Calif.

The Goldman Mature Market Report’s archives, accessible at this web site, contain stories on how last year’s norovirus outbreaks were managed. With the holiday season in high gear, health officials believe outbreaks will continue to grow.