See How We’ve Grown.
Published in: Arbor Age
Date: 9/1/2001
By: John Kmitta
DURING ONE YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL I EXPERIENCED A GROWTH SPURT FROM 5-foot-9-inches tall to 6-foot-1. It was a little awkward at first, but I soon settled in and realized the advantages of being bigger and stronger. As you can see, Arbor Age magazine has experienced its own growth spurt. And although it may look different, it is bigger, it is stronger, and its growth has plenty of advantages.
The larger size allows us to continue to provide detailed feature story content and industry news as well as additional space for detailed product listings. Four vertical categories — Vehicles & Lifts, Machines & Tools, Tree Care and Business Resources — will create easier reference points for readers and better Content focus.
Another new aspect of Arbor Age is the “Tales from the Trees” column. Each month a different industry expert will supply his or her insight. The inaugural Tales from the Trees author is Steve Shurtz, president of the Society of Municipal Arborists and director of landscape and forestry for the city of Baton Rouge, La. Steve will also provide his industry insight as a member of Arbor Age’s editorial advisory board.
Surviving the Trade Show Circuit
I just got back from OPEl’s EXPO 2001, and I am glad to be feeling well. It was not heat exhaustion that I was afraid of, it was bratwurst exhaustion.
The people at Kohler were kind enough to supply free bratwurst at their outdoor tent during the show. I was among the scores of people who lined up for the tasty brats, but I was there with one thought in mind – eat as many as possible. I was not trying to be a glutton, but rather the long-shot underdog trying to unseat the bratwurst-eating king — Green Media Sales Rep, Paul Garris.
Legend has it that Paul’s bratwurst count during past EXPOs danced easily into double digits. Someone had to challenge him -who better than the unknown Green Media rookie? It was more than a verbal dare. Every member of the Green Media editorial group was in my corner, hoping that I could rank up there with “Buster” Douglas, the 1968 New York Jets, and other storied underdogs who had come from nowhere to win. The ad sales staff stood firmly by their man, confident in Paul’s eating ability.
I felt the effects early as Paul strolled into the exhibit hall at 10 a.m. on the first day of EXPO and declared that he had already packed away four bratwurst. The news sent my head, and stomach, reeling. Was it over before it began?
The unfortunate answer is “yes.” In the end, Paul rolled to an easy 12-3 victory. He has my congratulations. I tip my hat to anyone who can pack away a dozen bratwurst during the course of two days in 90-degree heat.
I was not a worthy opponent this year, but maybe I will be ready next year…maybe not. I have a feeling Paul could eat 20 if pushed.
Now it’s off (at press time) to the ISA Trade Show in Milwaukee–the bratwurst capital of the United States.
I survived. I came away from the show having lost an eating contest, but having met a lot of great people, and having gained a wealth of knowledge about industry products and concepts.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Adams Business Media