There are just some things in this world that I, quoting the Grinch, "loathe entirely." I detest mustard. I always wonder why Noah brought ticks on the ark (surely they snuck on there on some of the other animals). I can't stand being lost enough that I actually stop and ask for directions. I also hate New Year's resolutions. I've never liked them. Seems like everyone always starts out with the best intentions on Jan. 1, knowing full well in three weeks they won't be going to the gym, they will be eating donuts again, and they'll be right back to where they were on December 31. Just seems kind of pointless to me, I guess.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm all about how the new year can be a fresh start. I believe that you can wipe the slate clean and begin again ... as long as you don't keep looking in the rear view mirror and slide right back to where you were. Glancing back and learning lessons from the past is one thing. Focusing on only the past is where problems begin.
So where am I going with this diatribe? For starters, to remind you that Proofs is no longer in the print directory business. I made that decision in November and it still holds true for this issue, an issue that normally would contain the U.S. manufacturers directory and buyer's guide. I decided to make a change and move the directories completely online. Why? I wanted to maximize the space in each issue of Proofs. Previous directories have taken 70 to 80 pages of the magazine. The sheer size of it has overwhelmed other editorial in the past, and I believe it's time that Proofs takes a step into the future by putting the biggest directories online at DentistryIQ.com.
Additionally, we now have almost 8,000 electronic subscribers to Proofs and the monthly e-newsletter. I know people are hungry to find information online, and DentistryIQ.com (the online home for Proofs) is the perfect place to do that. Just go to the industry tab at the top of the page and pull down for dealers or manufacturers.
By the way, have you signed up for the free monthly Proofs e-newsletter? Join your colleagues (and get the most timely information in the industry) by signing up at www.omeda.com/prf/.
This issue marks the beginning of the 94th year for Proofs, and that's a wonderful heritage ... but there's no way that we're just going to rest on the laurels of a great history. When you sit around and pat yourself on the back for a job well done, you're just sitting there. We're going to move forward, keep improving, and bring you the information you need to know in a timely manner. That's my pledge to you as 2011 begins.
Speaking of 2011, I think it's important to know where we're heading as an industry by learning from some of the events of last year. That's why I put together a special section on "the best of 2010" for this issue. You'll find the products handpicked from the best of 2010. You'll also find a list of the top 10 Proofs articles from 2010, and a look by someone outside our industry at what business and financial lessons should be learned from last year. It was interesting for me to put this section together, and I think you'll enjoy it as well. Be sure to take a look at these three articles, beginning on page 6.
With the dawn of 2011 also began the official countdown to the IDS meeting in Cologne, Germany. It will be one of the highlights of the year for me personally, and I think it will be a benchmark for our worldwide industry as well. From March 22-26, IDS is expected to attract around 1,800 suppliers from 56 countries, presenting a broad range of product innovations and services. The gross exhibition space will be 143,000 square meters covering five halls. It's truly a staggering show and one that if you've never been, you need to make your way to Germany to experience it. If you can't be there this year, don't worry. I am planning plenty of coverage from the meeting, including daily show recaps on DentistryIQ.com and a few other items that I'll be revealing soon in the monthly Proofs e-newsletter.
Finally, a word of congratulations are in order to Marv Ashworth, one of my cohorts here at PennWell (Proofs' parent company) and one of our sales reps for Proofs. He just celebrated his 50th year at PennWell, and I think that's just amazing. In an era of many working for multiple employers, Marv is a great example of loyalty. His secret to working 50 years at one place? He tells me it's because he started working here when he was 4 years old. Personally, I think it's simple — Marv loves what he does and everyone who knows him, loves and respects him. Congratulations Marv! Here's to another 50.
Read on ... this is your magazine.
