Looking in the Mirror - Editor's Note

WELCOME TO THE BRAND NEW OFFICE SOLUTIONS!

Since its first issue in 1984, OfficeSolutions has provided authoritative, in-depth coverage of key management issues and product trends affecting the professionals responsible for keeping our offices running smoothly and efficiently. On the product side, we've covered just about everything from the humble paper clip and notepad to the latest in wireless communications and high-density records storage. In the management area, our focus has extended from finding new ways to cut back on the electricity bill to implementing new work-styles or responding to the needs and expectations of the Generation X workforce.

Over the past 17 years, we've told a fascinating story of dramatic change and innovation. Powerful forces such as new technology and shifting demographics have transformed the office, and changes have often been swift and unexpected. Today's office professionals face many challenges that were simply inconceivable when we first started publishing.

There's a wealth of opportunities and new ways to bring new higher levels of efficiency and productivity to today's office environment. But gaining an understanding and appreciation of those opportunities--when technology is changing at such a breakneck pace--is far from easy. And the diversity of issues and responsibilities office professionals must deal with today only serves to complicate the task.

In a time of unprecedented change for office professionals, it's time for OfficeSolutions to change too. This issue represents Phase One of a dramatic new focus and direction for your publication. We've got an exciting new look, with graphics that, we hope, reflect the energy and innovation that we find in today's office. We've also got a new team in place to bring you the latest on the office.

This is my first issue as Editorial Director, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting new venture. I've been covering the office products industry in one way or another for close to 20 years--first as communications director at the industry's leading trade association and, more recently, as an independent consultant. Our publisher, Rich Kunkel, brings a similar track record of industry knowledge and experience--over 15 years with office publications. Rounding out our organization is Edwin Powell--as good a business journalist as you'll find anywhere--and an outstanding team of reporters and industry experts who not only know how to write, but more importantly, bring with them their own seasoned perspectives and in-depth industry knowledge.

We hope you like the new look of this issue, but this is really only the beginning. In the coming months, we'll be bringing you a lot more in the way of in-depth reporting on how today's best-practiced office professionals are tapping into powerful new technologies to make their workplace more productive. Look also for expanded coverage of key management areas, such as employee training and team building, controlling postage and utility costs, keeping on the right side of federal employment rules and regulations, and more.

Above all, look for us to throw the spotlight on just how well today's office professionals are meeting what has become an increasingly complex and demanding challenge. We all live in a world where multitasking has pretty much become the order of the day. But the office professional's ability to handle an increasingly broad range of roles and responsibilities is truly remarkable and deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

We think it's a great story, and we're looking forward to telling it in a way that really does it justice. We know we're going to enjoy it. We hope you will too!

COPYRIGHT 2001 Quality Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group