For those who may have wondered just why Pike County has two animal advocacy groups or what it is that keeps one of the local small-time mayors so busy, they can wonder no more.

Those who watched the good old days of feast-sized “Sunday dinners” transform to just another meal of the week can look back and remember.

From the economic impact one long-standing local institution has had on a tight-knit community to the opportunities a newer one presents for the future, these and much more are explored in The Messenger’s 2010 Profile edition.

“Profile 2010: Perspectives offers a unique look into the different areas of our community,” said Stacy Graning, publisher. “Our goal was to give readers a chance to see Pike County and its history, it’s future from many differing perspectives.”

And that’s just what News Editor Holli Keaton said this year’s Profile edition has done.

“The Profile theme ‘perspectives’ is a lot different than what The Messenger has featured in the past. That’s because the last year was a lot different than years of the past,” Keaton said. “We know well the struggles 2009 has brought to many of Pike County’s residents and businesses, but at the same time, we know there is so much that makes this such a special place to be. And that’s what our staff sought to show our reader’s this year.”

Graning agreed.

“The businesses, industries and advertisers who tell their stories in Profile, from Douglas Bros. who has been in Troy for more than 100 years to CGI, whom we welcomed just a few months ago, each have a different perspective on this community,” she said. “It’s fascinating to see and compare those”

Advertising Director Deedie Carter saw the edition from a “perspective” of her own.

“The economic downturn has affected every business in Pike County, but every successful business realizes that consumers still need to know about the goods and services they offer. Nothing tells that story better than our annual Profile Edition,” Carter said.

Business Manager Wendy Ward said “readers have a real treat in store for them as they open the pages of this year’s Profile edition.”

“We always have a great response to this special publication and I expect that this year will be no different.”