In only two days, the Albert Lea Tribune’s annual Progress special section will publish in the newspaper, and we are excited for you to see and read about all the great things happening in the community.

The theme for this year’s section is “Small Steps, Giant Leaps,” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 spacecraft landing on the moon. The event was known as one of the greatest moments in the history of our nation, as astronaut Neil Armstrong declared, “That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Much has happened in the years since that moment in history, and this year we hoped to recognize the people, organizations and businesses that have made either small or large strides in bettering the community.

There are 56 stories in the publication — all of varied topics, including education, business, health, industry, agriculture, family, charities, faith, neighbors and community.

Among those stories is a feature on the cover of our Community section about the recipient of the Tribune’s Citizen of the Year Award. This person was selected by a committee of Tribune staff members and other members of the community.

We hope you enjoy looking through the pages, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts about the section.