2010 was a tough year. We have reason to believe 2011 will be better.

As of this writing, our county jobless rate is 6.9 percent. That means about 550 of our friends and neighbors are collecting unemployment checks. And the actual unemployment rate could be higher.

Sales tax revenue is still at 2004 levels. Real estate sales are sluggish.

And yet, we’ve weathered the storm. Oh, it’s been tough, but the fact we’ve survived tells us a lot about our community. And it gives us optimism for 2011.

New businesses have opened, and existing businesses are looking at creative ways to make their bottom line. The Chamber pushed for shopping locally for Christmas, offering $100 prize incentives.

Islanders continue to have each other’s backs. Non-profits, public agencies and service clubs provide clothing and food, help pay utility bills, provide free and reduced-fee dental care, provide transportation to and from medical appointments on the mainland, connect islanders with jobs and paid internships, and help businesses finance, grow, hire, manage, market and plan.

This holiday season, countless groups helped make Christmas day sparkle for island families: Toys for Tots, local churches, Orcas Family Connections, island pre-schools, and more.

Thanks to our island’s generosity, the food bank will have a brand new modular building by early 2011. The volunteer-run organization will now have adequate space to serve our neighbors in need.

Islanders continue to be engaged in lively discussion of the issues of the day, be it ferry funding or recycling fees or government regulation. This is more evidence that we care.

Life on the rock is a beautiful, vibrant experience. We need to remember that. And as we ride out this tough economic cycle, remember to stand by each other, stick together, and face 2011 as a strong community.