Soil erosion is second only to population growth as the biggest environmental problem the world faces. Yet, the problem, which is growing ever more critical, is being ignored because who gets excited about dirt?

Despite slow job growth and population loss, Massachusetts continues to be an attractive place to live and work. In fact, chambers of commerce and planners across the nation look to Massachusetts as a role model for economic competitiveness.

Immigration is one of the leading contributors to population growth.

Our population continues to grow, so we have had to add positions to handle that growth,

Our population growth is still showing 2 percent, so our demand is going to be better than most places. There are no labor problems, such as mills closing, so our economic base is stable.

I think we have all known that we were having growth in the Hispanic population. We have known it through the school population. I didn't realize it was that high.