If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years it’s that change is elemental to our survival as professionals. Sometimes this change is hard, but inevitable. Still, our hope is that these changes make it possible for the best to emerge even better than before.

There are few publications out there with histories as long and as storied as Industrial Distribution. Established in 1911 as Mill Supplies, this magazine has spanned years and navigated countless industry and economic shifts.

How many publications can say they’ve survived The Great Depression? With this long-standing historical relevance in mind—and when the opportunity arose—we recently welcomed the title into Advantage Business Media’s broad portfolio of print and web properties. After several years serving as editor of IMPO (Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation) magazine, I look forward to expanding my understanding of the industrial supply chain while serving as the editor for Industrial Distribution.

It’s an exciting time to work in the manufacturing and distribution realm, especially considering how challenging the past few years have been for most. While unemployment rates remain relatively steady, April saw an increase in jobs by nearly 300,000—almost a third of which went to the manufacturing and construction industries. The hard part is not over, but at least we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

And as the marketplace continues to grow and adapt, we’d like to graciously accept the torch that is being passed, and re-launch Industrial Distribution as the premier resource for distributors, wholesalers, salespeople, and their supply chain and logistics partners.

Now that I’ve had the chance to introduce myself, I’d appreciate the same from you. As we dive into a new manufacturing niche, we’d gladly welcome any feedback you might be able to provide relative to your daily critical issues, concerns, successes, or anything else you’d be willing to share. We hope that it’s your loyalty and involvement that will take a property with 99 years experience and sustain it for 99 more.

Anna Wells
Executive Editor, Industrial Distribution
www.inddist.com