As we close the books on 2011, many will associate the year with Europes debt cri sis, Congress

political gridlock, and the stock markets volatility. And to some ex tent, theyll be right. We did face a number of significant challenges during the course of the year. At the same time though, 2011 was a year of growth and heali ng for the United States. Americans are spending again, as evidenced by a record-breaking holiday shopping season.[1] Factories are producing more.[2] Companies are generating impressive profits.[3] The housing market is showing signs of life.[4] And with the unempl oyment rate at its lowest level in nearly three years[5], even the job market is improving. While blind optimism can be a dangerous thing, focusing on the negat ive can be equally risky. So without amplifying the problems of the past or mini mizing the challenges of the future, lets take a look back at some of the key eve nts that made 2011 what it was.