It's easy to give in to gloom and doom when you step back and look at the rocking wake of economic turbulence we've had this year: financial crisis followed by housing slump followed by tax reform followed by health care debates.

Whew.

Luckily, we know a group of people who don't let headlines derail them from their mission to get their businesses and organizations in gear and, in the process, shape Maine's economy and future. Culled from dozens and dozens nominations, we‘ve selected 10 Mainers who have the passion and vision to bring Maine to a better place. Some are young go-getters, just embarking on their careers and some are old hands who've survived more than one recession and lived to tell about it. Together, they present a brighter future for Maine. We call them Nexters. Let us introduce them to you.

Our 2009 Next list:

Bettina Doulton - owner, Cellardoor Vineyard, Lincolnville

Jonathan LaBonte - Executive director, Androscoggin Land Trust, Lewiston

Matt Bell - Owner, Northeast Pellets, Ashland

Matt McHatten - Senior VP of external operations, MMG Insurance, Presque Isle

Megan Williams - Executive director, Hardy Girls Healthy Women, Waterville

William Sulinski - CEO, AccelGolf, Portland

Devore Culver - Executive director, HealthInfoNet, Portland

Chris Roberts - Co-founder, Barkwheats, Stockton Springs

Suzanne Fox - President, Fox Intercultural Consulting Services, Falmouth

Warren Cook - CEO and general manager, Saddleback Maine, Rangeley