I have always enjoyed quotes. I love how a few brief words can convey profound truths. For me, none is more appropriate at this time than a quote attributed to Alexander Graham Bell that states, "When one door closes another door opens…” It speaks to me because I am leaving Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. Personal matters have made it the right choice, but I still have a heavy heart. I have developed friends in this industry as well as a deep understanding and passion for the business. There are so many people that have helped me over the years. It would take pages to wish them all well, but I do want to give each and all of you a thank you for helping to guide and shape my career and this publication to be the best it could be. It is no accident that we have a daily email open rate that beats business-to-business benchmarks and that we continue to have a strong print presence that readers love. Keep letting us know your thoughts about the publication and how we can continue to push the envelope to provide the quality articles and relevant news items that interest you and make advertisers happy to support the publication in all forms so it continues to be free for industry members.
Looking ahead
I am so glad to be able to introduce the new editor to you, someone with enthusiasm and publishing experience who is sure to take the reins and do great things: Abby White. With her abilities and the dedication to excellence of the team here, I have full confidence this publication will continue to outperform all others both online and in print with quality and quantity. I know, too, that all of you who so graciously answered my questions or corrected my initial impressions will also aid the new editor in understanding this terrific industry.
Seeing opportunities
There is a second half to Bell’s quote that isn’t often recounted where he says, “…but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." For me, this means you must always look forward to see the opportunities. Therefore, while I do hear the snick of the door latch on Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, there is a sweet breeze coming from somewhere…perhaps it will lead us all to meet once again down the road.
