Tapping Into The Trends That Matter, One Last Time

An effective editor must, without fail, bring his or her audience a blend of articles and features that offer something for everyone. This month, I am confident I have done just that.

SM’s cover story delves into an alarming trend: product “knock-offs” and copies. No longer limited to counterfeit Gucci purses and pirated DVDs, this practice — in which rogue companies produce what are often blatant copies of U.S. manufacturers’ products — has some jan/san industry manufacturers up in arms. And since many of these rip-offs originate overseas, globalization has only compounded the problem. Can you tell a real from a fake?

Cross contamination is top-of-mind for cleaning industry professionals, and the school market is one of the sectors where distributors can effect the most change. Find out how distributors can provide essential education and tools to their education customers.

Trade Press Publishing Corp., SM’s parent company, recently debuted the industry’s first vertical search engine, www.CleanHound.com. Find out what all the buzz is about in this month’s Tech Central article.

Finally, you’ll find SM’s ISSA/INTERCLEAN® Photo Gallery. This pictorial recap showcases some of the most memorable events from the October show, held in Chicago.

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On a personal note, this is my last issue as SM’s editor. After six-plus years of covering the cleaning industry for jan/san distributors, I’m moving on to head up a magazine in another industry. I’m confident my successor, Liz Greenawalt, and the rest of the SM team will pick up where I left off and continue to bring you the content and analysis that clarifies and defines the industry.

I’ll miss you — my readers — and this industry. You’ve taught me a lot about business, relationships, and how important it is to feel passionate about what you do. Thanks for providing such inspiring material.