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"    &amp;quot;My 2006 was a busy year! I like to call it a big investment year. I&amp;#039;ve put loads of energy and time into exploring new opportunities, and as I move into 2007 I can see how things are going to come together. The change and kinetic nature of my business is what fuels my fire both personally and creatively, and 2006 did not disappoint. Soon after I returned from the Women Entrepreneur event in Chicago, David and I got started on early development for my upcoming lifestyle book, Amy Butler&amp;#039;s Midwest Modern. We started outlining our game plan and vision for the book with hopes of sunny Ohio days to begin our photography. Throughout spring and summer I launched a brand-new fabric collection for Rowan and my first sewing book, In Stitches. The launch was extremely exciting and very fulfilling to have folks respond so positively! I hit the road for several book signings to support the launch, and got to spend time with several of my quilt-shop retailers. Summer included many days of shooting for Midwest Mod, pattern development, delivery of my project bags for Rowan, print design for my home decorating line, and working steadily on the development of my Web store. Kim and Diane and I were consumed with overseeing the production of manufacturing for my finished handbags and pillows, and David was busy designing the store. It&amp;#039;s amazing how far we&amp;#039;ve come from my first plans to launch product 18 months ago! Fall was full of promotion for my new product lines, which included steady updates to my Website and many samples sewn for Trunk Shows. After my Fall Quilt Market event I put the finishing touches on a new sewing book title and hunkered down to design new sewing patterns for spring release. December proved to be the toughest month, working through all of the final kinks of my Web store with the launch date looming around the corner. The one thing that&amp;#039;s constant is change and chaos; it&amp;#039;s amazing what you can learn if you keep your eyes, ears, and heart open when challenges come your way. We made it through and I couldn&amp;#039;t be prouder of our launch! Now, it&amp;#039;s time to kick back a little, take a deep breath, and move into this year with new energy and enthusiasm. Here&amp;#039;s to 2007! I hope it brings everyone loads of love and prosperity, and I wish you the best with all of your creative adventures.&amp;quot; Warm Wishes,  Amy Butler Amy Butler Design CHECK OUT AMY&amp;#039;S PROFILE. READ UPDATES ON THE OTHER 2006 WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR HONOREES. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/life/a1900/amy-butler-we2006update/>