Just days before the inauguration of President Obama, a “miracle” occurred on the Hudson River in New York City. As a result of the failure of its engines, a US Air Pilot landed a plane safely in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. Captain Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger demonstrated amazing skill and calmness as he performed this remarkable feat. Further demonstrating his professionalism and concern for his passengers, he walked the full length of the aircraft twice while it was sinking in the water to ensure his passengers and crew had all left the aircraft. All 154 passengers and crew were able to disembark safely.

Perhaps this remarkable act of skill and heroism will inspire the incoming President as he takes on the most challenging job in the world. President Obama will face the daunting task of fixing a severely contracting domestic economy while America is engaged in wars abroad. He will need all of his confidence, charisma, coolness under fire, intelligence, charm, interpersonal , listening, political and management skills to succeed. This indeed is a tall order for anyone, even for someone as gifted as the new President.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish him the best of success. As a Canadian, I am indeed proud and pleased that he will make Canada the first foreign country he will visit as President of the United States. Listening to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s testimony in the Senate this week, we are heartened to hear that strengthening relations with Canada is a priority. As a consultant to shippers and carriers in both Canada and the United States, my clients need all the help they can get. We hope that President Obama and his team will address many of the major issues that are having a significant impact on transportation industry. They include the need to:

a) Restore confidence that the government of the United States is trying to help those citizens that have faced or are facing the foreclosure of their homes or who are facing the loss of their jobs.
b) Make credit available so businesses can invest and consumers are not afraid to buy.
c) Find new, cost effective renewable sources of energy sources.
d) Reduce harmful emissions to slow down the process of climate change.
e) Restore integrity to America’s business institutions.
f) Improve America’s infrastructure.
g) Provide support to industries that have viable business plans and opportunities for long term success and to let unsustainable businesses fail.
h) Facilitate trade between our countries, the world’s two largest trading partners.

We know that President Obama will falter at times. Looking at his history, he has shown a pattern of being knocked down, of making mistakes but of learning from his mistakes and coming back stronger and smarter than ever. There is much debate as to whether some of the proposed tax cuts and stimulus packages will work to turn the economy around. Some leading economists are predicting even darker days ahead. We hope everyone will understand that the expectations for the new President are unrealistic and impossible to attain.

The key issue is the need to restore America’s pride, confidence and fairness. This is a prerequisite to an economic turnaround. Certainly, the election of America’s first African American President has sent a message around the world that Americans embrace change. President Obama needs to continue to champion his message of the “audacity of hope.” Americans and Canadians need to see change and need to feel confident again. By listening to the American people and to folks around the world , by demonstrating fairness, by communicating his message of hope and by launching well thought out initiatives to help restore America’s economy, even if some of these programs fail, this will go a long way towards moving the citizens of North America on a journey of hope and prosperity. Good luck President Obama!