There's Lots to Celebrate
Dear Readers:
A 15-year commitment shows real dedication. Wouldn't you agree?
I hope so because this month, September 5, marks my 15-year anniversary as Editor in Chief of Security Dealer. It is something I am very proud of.
Way back in 1989 this was a totally different industry. It was what I coined at the time, a real babe in the woods. Prior to coming to Security Dealer, I had been the editor of a video trade magazine and the executive lifestyle editor at a business weekly. I dealt with companies like Paramount, MGM and Twenty-First Century Fox. They had awesome press events.
I'll never forget my interview with Arnold Blumenthal, former publisher and Industry Icon of Security Dealer. After haggling over money and finally accepting the position, he asked me if I could go to the upcoming ISC conference in New York City, to get a feel for the business, as he put it. I agreed.
Riding on the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) I was envisioning an event similar to the ones I had previously been at, like the Consumer Electronics Show. Needless to say, all of you who were there that August in 1989 can remember, it was barely more than a tabletop with some larger booths housing Ademco, Napco and a few other big names in the industry. If this is any indication of where the industry is today, the events I now attend have grown tremendously.
Coincidentally, the theme of this issue is Partnerships. Hopefully, you all feel the same way I do about Security Dealer serving you in helping to make your business more successful. I would like to acknowledge my staff or what I consider my teammates: George Fox, group publisher, Peter Harlick, associate publisher, Erin Harrington-Plonski, managing editor, Colleen Kelly, art director, Jim Benesh, Dan Triglia, ChrisWard and Erica Finger in sales, Diana Kovarik, administrative assistant, Andrew Cathcart, production manager, Lisa Rammelt, circulation manager, Jodi Chenouski, reprints and Lisa McClellan, newsletter manager.
In addition to this great bunch are the staffs of the sister publications in the Cygnus Security Group, Security Technology and Design and Locksmith Ledger. The publisher of these magazines is Steve Lasky. He is a co-industry veteran who many of you are familiar with. To get to know us even better, the Cygnus Security Group is hosting a Meet the Editors Cocktail reception at the ASIS show in Dallas, TX this month. Come on by, partner. We'll be lookin' forward to seeing ya! The Meet the Editors Reception will be held at the Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, TX, Tuesday Evening, on Sept. 28, from 5 - 7:30 PM.
I have made a ton of friends in the industry over my 15 year span. Today, I am also reflecting on all of you. You have been a great source of inspiration and support. Security is a very important industry to be in. Public Safety is in all your hands. Together with you, I am hoping to be at your service for a long time to come.
