Choosing 50+ examples of people, places, and things that are standouts in their own way in the world of trade might seem like a tall order-picking a dozen or so, no problem, but 50? In fact, the genuine challenge for our editorial staff each year is ruminating over which candidates we need to cut.

This year was no exception.

Our list ranges from sci-fi technologies like levitation systems that can whisk cargo containers on magnetized platforms and wireless robotic fulfillment systems, to this year’s Internet phenomenon-social networks-which have spread throughout contemporary culture as well as the business community like the flu. By the way, swine flu is also on this year’s list as a reminder of how supply chain risk can assume various shapes and sizes.

Green also makes a strong showing on our Fabulous 50+1 list. Truthfully, we could have compiled 50 entries in this category alone given the companies, scholars, lawmakers, and all-around creative thinkers that are turning their attention to sustainability, renewable energy, and environmentalism, particularly how they relate to supply chains.

To acknowledge the importance of green on this year’s list, we’ve devoted a special section to it, with entries ranging from Nanotechnology to Green Governments to Whirlpool’s Smart Grid-compatible appliances.

For more on green, check out our feature on measuring the carbon footprint. MIT’s Center for Transportation & Logistics has been doing some great work on the methodologies and standards that are ultimately required to produce sound data with real usefulness.

The Fabulous 50+1 list also includes coverage on Capt. Richard Phillips, the brave captain and hero of the Maersk Alabama, who did the right thing despite incredible personal risk, and lived to tell about it.

Brave ship captains and menacing pirates aren’t just larger than life characters from high seas tales of another time in history, as many of us were surprised to learn with the Maersk Alabama incident. Piracy is a genuine threat in many commercial maritime routes around the world, and finding a solution to it is proving difficult to say the least. Some have suggested arming the crew or hiring armed security guards. Others believe that the answer is to stop paying ransoms altogether. Each has their merits, but the final solution may require more thought as to what is motivating the pirates’ actions in the first place.

Meanwhile, our coverage on commercial development in the Los Angeles-Long Beach port region finds that “green industrial” will be a major consideration for future facilities. Rising fuel and energy costs coupled with new environmental mandates is resulting in more LEED-certified buildings with such features as warehouse skylights and concrete-paved truck yards.

 When you look closely, there are so many positive developments, innovative ideas, and pretty cool things happening in the world of trade. The message is clear: just be fabulous in whatever you endeavor, the rest will fall into place.