EDITOR’S COMMENT ISSUE 72
Merry Christmas everyone!
As Andy Williams would first sing back in 1963, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Unlike many of the other iconic Christmas songs that invade radio stations over December (or from perhaps earlier, depending on where you are and how Christmas-y that particular station is), ‘The most wonderful time of the year’ doesn’t focus on snow, or mistletoe, religion, or romance, or presents – or famine in Africa.
Yes, sure, mistletoe got a mention when songwriters Edward Pola and George Wyle were scratching around for lyrics, but overwhelmingly the song is about people and relationships. It is about good will to all and appreciating those who mean the most to us.
And it has got me thinking. So, at the risk of raising the ire of our publisher, who I’m sure would prefer I used these column inches for market commentary, I’m going to instead issue my own sermon on people, relationships and appreciation as they pertain to International Forest Industries.
It is almost 11 years to the day since the team that runs respected mining business title International Mining decided to branch out – pardon the pun – into the forestry world, in which they already knew many established providers of services and technology. The concept was to replicate the group’s presence in the mining world with a truly international view of technology, equipment and services for forestry.
Today, the people put in place to deliver on that objective remain steadfastly dedicated to the cause.
For my sins, having taking on the role of IFI’s inaugural editor in late 2007, I remain glued to that seat in late 2019. In fact, with the exception of a retirement, the core team that delivered that very first edition remains intact. Most notably, our one-time associate publisher has become an integrated part of the sales, production and editorial teams, while our two key sales remain consistent servants to the brand and their clients more than a decade on.
That brings me nicely on to the main reason for this editorial.
The forestry sector had for the longest time been a diverse collection of domestic industries serviced by fine, long-running regional titles. When we considered entry into the market it was with the theory that globalisation had shifted the forestry space and opportunities to sell into new regions was not on the next, but a necessary frontier – this made the need for a truly global publication that shared solutions and technology applicable to multiple geographies crystal clear.
Some industry players – largely those with international business models already – bought into the concept immediately. Others were open-minded but it took some time with the publication to appreciate its place and its worth before they were convinced. But all of the companies that have supported us and used our platform to market themselves to the world have ensured the concept for an international forestry title has not only survived, but thrived.
And, so, at this most wonderful time of the year, “when friends come to call”, it feels appropriate to acknowledge our supporters and offer our heartfelt thanks for making IFI what it is today and for keeping the team dedicated to keeping it rolling off the presses committed to doing so.
From all of here, a very merry Christmas and we look forward to reconnecting with you in a happy New Year.
Enjoy
Chris Cann
