Happy New Year! I am thrilled that the “Cease Fire” has been lifted, the holidays are over, and we can get back to work. I must confess that December was without a doubt the most productive month in the company’s history. I was on a whirlwind tour with visits to New York City, Salt Lake, Denver, San Diego, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. That pace shows no signs of relenting during the month of January. We are building this company and like any good builder we have to go to the opportunities and make them happen.
SSUSA, Inc. has found and made so many special opportunities. The reception we have received and the wealth of good solid people that we are working with is overwhelming. We remain focused on our 10 guiding principles and continue to add properties to our pipeline each week.
I have repeatedly stated that now is the time to strike, and strike we are. We have 3.5 years left in our four year plan. You have heard me say time and again that inflation will be upon us by 2013. SSUSA, Inc. is positioning itself to take advantage of higher inflationary rents and occupancies, thus creating a higher value and greater performance for our assets. While the rest of the country remains focused on the ongoing economic meltdown, a large portion of the smart money is preparing for the inflation problem. I know we are, but for us it is not a problem it is an opportunity and a great one at that.
I cannot begin to tell all of you how exciting the opportunities are out there. Because many sellers have lost sight of the basics over the past several years, we are able to find some great properties and will grow them to their full potential. We know our basics and we have every intention of sticking to them. We appreciate your help and look forward to the upcoming quarter with great excitement.