Little Changes Sometimes Make Big Improvements

I may not be the face you expected to see when you turned to the editorial page, but changes do happen. As I see it, this is the start of a new, long-term relationship with you, our audience – subscribers, readers, and advertisers.

This change isn’t drastic.

Many of you most likely recognize my name from the numerous articles I’ve written for Today’s Medical Developments since 2007 – first as the senior editor, and more recently as the managing editor. Prior to that, I worked on Tooling & Production magazine for more than 13 years, focusing heavily on the medical manufacturing sector.

I’m not new to the industry; however, this editorial does offer a new opportunity for me and for you. It opens up a direct connection between TMD’s readers and me. Your input is invaluable. Without it, TMD would not be where it is today. Moving ahead, we plan to deliver even more of what you need to know to get ahead in your job.

Growth and success is what you want to achieve on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. That’s not surprising. Who wouldn’t want to succeed, even surpass their competitor? However, because of a range of issues facing the industry – stricter regulations, the medical device tax, increased pricing pressure from the OEMs across the supply chain – it is not always easy, but it is always possible. That’s why our team continues to add increased value within the magazine and digital offerings by delivering more insight into industry statistics, global regulations, supply chain concerns, and how to become more competitive.

The direction of the magazine is not veering from its original mission when it began in 2005. As when TMD started, and as it still is today, the medical design and manufacturing segment continues to thrive, and our staff plans to be there with you to ensure it remains that way. Just like then, TMD will cover design and manufacturing, from start to finish, as it pertains to the medical device industry.

So, while on this topic, I would be remiss not to mention the upcoming Competitive Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. Gaining market share, growing your business, and getting ahead are just some of the benefits you’ll receive at the summit. The one-day event, held at the Global Center for Health Innovation (GCHI), located adjacent to the new Cleveland Convention Center, will give you an in-depth, street-level view you can use at your business. Educational sessions address ways to succeed in today’s economically challenging times. Please go to www.TheMfgSummit.com to learn more and to register.

Another fun change is our contest to name the FYI department in the magazine. We want your best ideas. And, the subscriber who’s winning entry is chosen as the new department name will win an iPad. Enter your idea by sending an email to contest@gie.net with “TMD FYI” in the subject line. Entry deadline is Sept. 27, 2013.

Now that I have formally introduced myself, I look forward to hearing feedback – both positive and negative – from you, our valued audience. You can reach me at 330.523.5344, or feel free to drop me a note at emodic@gie.net.

Here’s to many more conversations! – Elizabeth