Twenty-three years is a long time. But, yes, that is how long I have been an editor at Modern. And a lot has changed in that time—in both materials handling and publishing.

Consider this:

Counterbalanced lift trucks were just beginning a major design overhaul, creating the “world” truck. And unlike today, OSHA had no rules for operator training or even use of seat belts.

Modern had just conducted its second-annual survey on the use of computers in materials handling. The fact that we even bothered to do a survey says it all.

The leading software of the day was MRP and MRP II not supply chain execution systems.

Printing bar code labels on site was just coming into its own, displacing outsourced printers of large batches of labels.

Dock designs were changing to accommodate new over-the-road trucks and JIT operations.

The Web was just emerging and protocols being selected so it could be used by larger groups of people. Magazines like Modern had no idea that the Web would be the force it is today.

Even length of employment at a company was different then. Today it’s much tougher to find people like me who have been with one company for almost 30 years.

And just as there has been change all around me, it’s now time for me to make my own.

This is my final issue of Modern. I am moving to Material Handling Industry of America where I’ll be senior vice president of professional development. This comes as Dick Ward steps away from his full-time role at MHIA. It also means I have big shoes to fill.

As I change organizations and roles within the industry, I’d like to thank you for your loyal readership. I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the world of materials handling.

And while I won’t be doing that at Modern any longer, I will be doing much the same through MHIA’s educational conferences and related events. I’m really looking forward to that.

I am equally excited to say that I am leaving you in good hands. My successor is Tom Andel, who has covered materials handling for a long time too, serving as chief editor of Material Handling Management for many years. I’m sure he’ll do a great job for you here.

That said, it’s time to say goodbye, to welcome Tom and to wish us all good luck going forward.