I was able to take some time in the sun this Labor Day and am always fascinated how New York City transforms after Labor Day. The week before is, in my opinion, one of the slowest work weeks of the year as even Americans leave the office and take to the beach.  My own schedule certainly reflects the changes that one holiday can make, which represents the end of summer. I remember the week before Labor Day last year as a new coffee shop near my building opened up. It is a Swedish cafe, Fika, and for those that know me, I couldn’t have been happier as I love Sweden! I got to know the owner and always spent an hour or two in the cafe having coffee and doing some work during the slower week. I’m sure he even thought to himself, what exactly do I do where I can take a long coffee break during the day? And why the flow of customers was not so strong in a busy part of midtown? I assured him that after Labor Day I would not be afforded the luxury of even a short coffee break and he would not have time to talk due to all the people back in town. Not to my surprise, the popularity of the cafe took off in no time and I was barely in town to even enjoy it due to my schedule. I expect this year to be no different as already I know this week will be busy with a cocktail reception with the Malaysian Tourist Board, another for Lufthansa, a 2 day business trip to Miami next week, Chicago the following week for a conference and then out of the country for some sales calls. I am sure all of you will feel the change in New York, and your part of the country, as tourists go back to their hometowns and it’s back to the office for us. I can’t help but get excited for the fall season. Maybe it’s because it’s the season for my birthday or the changing of the leaves, but I look forward to enjoying the opportunities that lay ahead, post Labor Day, as I hope they do for you too! – Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher