When I mentioned earlier that fiscal year 2000 included developments that promise to have a positive impact on our company’s future, here’s what I had in mind:

• We strengthened our competitive position  internationally.

• We strengthened our product portfolio across the company and around the world.

• We attracted a record number of new customers around the world.

• We enjoyed a record number of successful product introductions.

• We implemented a comprehensive e-business strategy throughout the company.

• We held to our commitment to hit the financial targets we set for ourselves 18 months ago (although it may take longer given our industry’s tepid near-term growth prospects).

Regarding this last point, in my letter to you a year ago, I outlined four cornerstone corporate strategies. This year, I’d like to share our growth strategies with you as well. They’ve become our “road map.”