November is here and we have all by now set our clocks back an hour. For the 30 years that I have been in this industry, the autumn time change has always started the holiday season countdown.
A final show floor push across the nation before many tradeshow facilities convert to holiday and consumer-type events until the start of the new year. As the show season slows down, activity in fabrication shops across the nation continues concentrating on projects for the busy season that picks up after the New Year begins.
This time of year is also when many companies in our industry take advantage of the slow down and have an opportunity to plan their marketing and sales strategies for the upcoming year. Decision makers this year will have a harder time deciding the proper balance for their marketing dollars. Which industry tradeshows and events to exhibit at? Which ones to invest in attending? Companies need to convince upper management not to shave things too close to the bone and risk a watered down result on their initial investment.
I’d also like to remind everyone to support the upcoming events that many of our industries leading associations have this time of year. From EDPA, IAEE and ESCA, you will see ECN staff there in person at nearly all important industry events.
As the dust continues to settle and we see the new economic landscape coming into clearer view, it will take some time to map the new territory we operate in these days. So many variables remain volatile – availability of credit, unemployment rates, cost of fuel, etc.
Meanwhile, our November edition is packed with information critical to intelligent decision-making. Which companies are locking in new business? Winning awards for creativity and service? Who is hiring? We also continue to write obituaries for businesses, some relatively new, some that have been around for many decades.
Don’t miss this edition’s features on working with recruiters, social networking and the recently held Randy Smith Memorial Golf Tournament. All this plus our insightful columnists and regular departments.
Have a safe and happy start to the holiday season.
Until next month…I will see you on the Web…
Don Svehla
Group Publisher
