Changing of the Guard
By Lawrence Oliver -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 1/1/2006
As you've read by now, Gifts & Decorative Accessories has a new editor-in-chief, Maria Weiskott. Maria succeeds Quinn Halford, who decided to retire and spend some time soaking up sunshine in Florida.
I very much enjoyed working with Quinn, and found him to be a true professional with his finger firmly on the pulse of the gift business. Along with his many colleagues and friends in the industry, I wish him well, and thank him for the many contributions he's made to the business.
Maria and I have worked together for the past few years on Playthings magazine, the leading trade publication covering the toy industry. Through innovation and cutting edge editorial technique, Maria was able to transform a 100-year-old magazine into a must-read in today's fast-paced retail environment. In conjunction with its website, e-newsletters, and electronic bulletins, Playthings industry coverage has become indispensable reading for everyone involved in the business of play. The magazine was recipient of five editorial industry awards in 2005.
The professionalism, insight, “street smarts,” and vision Maria brings to Gifts & Decorative Accessories will allow us to further strengthen our position as the survival guide for the gift industry of the future. It's going to be a fun ride, and our readers will benefit as they look to G&DA, Gifts & Dec Direct, and Gifts & Dec Product Wire for new ways to sell more product in an ever-changing market
Best wishes for a bright and prosperous New Year!
