Please check out the following book - it will help you in this issue:

https://www.simple-talk.com/books/sql-books/protecting-sql-server-data/

Please note that the link provides a means to download a free pdf version of...

In respect to the above responses I would like to state that my editorial did not suggest that I am representing the current state of the world. My point is...

Just a minor correction from the editorial: It states that I am from 4GuysFromRolla. I am not. My blog exists on Simple-Talk.com.

Thanks.

In the entire discussion in response to my editorial I saw two reoccurring concerns:

1. Key backup location/complexity

Yes, indeed, you must store the key backups in a different location than the...

A mentorship program is something that I have been wanting to offer through my user group. Has anyone successfully implemented such a program? Thoughts/ideas/recommendations?

The "two person to launch" approach is an excellent one; but as for automatic documentation the Auditing feature of SS2008 is a good option. The log can be secured so...

In SS2008 there is the Auditing feature. You can document activities that occur on the database through that option.