"...Gratefully yours…”

Hard to believe, but the summer is almost over, unofficially at least. The astronomers and soothsayers and keepers of the Julian calendar will tell you that it officially ends on September 21, on the Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in duration. But we know better. Summer ends when the kids appear at the curb with their new backpacks and the humidity drops and the nights cool down and the mailbox gets flooded with invitations.

It’s been a heck of a summer. While our MXenergy business has continued to be strong, the international credit markets have continued to be tight. Jobs are still being lost. Those ubiquitous “For Sale” signs are still in every window and on every street. This affects our customers and our mood. It’s hard to be upbeat when friends and family members are stressed and insecure.

We’ve also lost a number of family members from the MXenergy team, more than I can recall in any previous year. Our hearts go out to our colleagues and we remember those who have passed. After all, we work to live, not live to work, and our personal lives deserve our priority attention.

This summer has also given us wonderful examples of character, grit, hope and redemption. Think of Tom Watson at 59, fighting it out to the last put at the British Open. That’s character. Or Derek Jeter batting .500 the past couple weeks and the Yankees 7.5 games ahead of the Red Sox. That’s grit. Jaycee Dugard, kidnapped in 1991, found after 18 years and reunited with her family. That’s hope. Ted Kennedy, whether you loved him or hated him, buried with universal praise and admiration. That’s redemption.

And who does not continue to feel inspired by Scottish cook Susan Boyle’s meteoric singing career after being discovered on Britain’s Got Talent?

OK, so Congress continues to have food fights in Washington. Maybe now that kindergarten has started again they’ll follow our kids’ example and learn to play nice again and share their toys. Iran continues to flout civilized norms with show trials of peaceful election protesters. Our soldiers continue to be in harm’s way (although I’m pleased to report that Baghdad is sunny and 110 F. today, down from 125 F. a couple months ago).

At the same time, the recession of 09 looks like it may be history, notwithstanding continued but slowing job losses. Energy prices are at 8 year lows. In fact, new customers are flooding in to lock in these low prices. Our company continues to deliver value to customers…with a smile.

This morning I received a note from one of our customers that I want to share with you.

“Dear Mr. Mayer: Recently a customer service representative called to offer us a lower rate. This lower rate is to reward us for being faithful and loyal customers. In addition, we pay our bill on time. Thank you for being so considerate and compassionate. It is so hard to find companies that look out for such loyal customers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Gratefully yours…”

Customers often track me down when they have problems. It is rare for a customer to take the time to let us know we did a good job. What a way to end the summer!

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, everyone. We’ve earned it!