Editorial: Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary Year of Specialty Gas Report
Mike Vasilakes
Editor
Specialty Gas Report
“A trade publication that fills the special needs of a special audience . . .”
That was the essence of the editorial I wrote back in 1998, when Specialty Gas Report was emerging as a new publication that would fill a special, well-defined niche.
Just a few months earlier, when I was floating in the lazy days of retirement from a gratifying stint as editor of Gases and Welding Distributor, I received a call from Hank Grieco. He had been one of the most active members of the editorial advisory board for GWD—a real mentor.
“Don’t bother me, Henry,” I told him. “I’m retired.”
“No you’re not,” was his retort. “There’s a need out there in the specialty gas market for a trade magazine that will help educate those welding distributors who are thinking about getting into specialty gas production. And you and I are the guys that can make it happen.”
Within a matter of minutes, I was just as excited as Henry about the thought of producing such an educational vehicle. And as the saying goes, “The rest is history!”
Well not quite! So many events have taken place during our ten-year history, that I figured I had better go back to the beginning and try to trace the events of the past decade to believe it all happened.
I turned to my editorial in that inaugural issue to see if what we promised had indeed been fulfilled. In re-reading it, I am fully convinced that not only did we come across with the goods, we exceeded all expectations. Here is that editorial. See if you agree.
Specialty Gas Report is a magazine for distributors of specialty, medical, and scientific gases, as well as the professionals in the laboratories of major gas companies. While there are dozens of publications that in some measure disseminate information about specialty gases and their applications, none focuses exclusively on this subject—especially as it relates to the distributors who produce, transport, and market these gases to a vast array of manufacturing, process, and service activities that consume these unique products—independent laboratories, environmental laboratories, medical laboratories, and laboratories in food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, and electronic component manufacturing facilities.
The decision to publish a magazine with this focus was not lightly made. It came about because so many of you in the field stressed the need for it, and indeed urged its creation. The first step in developing a mission statement for SGR was to assemble an advisory council that would shape its editorial direction, and along the way, assess its performance and how well it meets the needs of the laboratory and marketing people in our industry. These advisors are experts with long experience in the production, storage, and transportation of specialty gases. Others included marketing experts and compliance specialists.
Initially, 12 prominent individuals—from both the distributor and supplier side—were invited to join our board of advisors. Not one declined the invitation. Subsequently, three more calls were received from industry leaders who insisted that their names be added to the list of individuals who have a passion for advancing the knowledge distributors need to produce and market gases. Several other veterans from the end-user ranks also have tentatively agreed to lend their perspective.
Individuals well versed in internet communications also have offered to lend a hand in this project. The level of response received not only reinforces the consensus need for a journal like Specialty Gas Report, but also bodes well for the high level of editorial expertise that will be contributed and disseminated.
A number of board members will also be contributing editors as is evidenced in this premier edition. In keeping with current technology, we have created a web site, which offers two services: (a) a continuing update of news in our industry and (b) a Specialty Gas Community Room, which offers subscribers a chance to exchange ideas, seek advice, offer solutions or suggestions, and just chat and interact with their counterparts throughout the world of specialty, medical, and scientific gases.
I look forward to your suggestions, comments, and advice in this new venture. Many of you I will see personally at the NWSA convention in San Diego. But to all, I am only an e-mail away. Drop me a line or visit our web site at www.specgasreport.com.
Thank you for your support.
Well, I believe we’ve done just fine, but the real tribute needs to go to those who were there from the start, and the many who continue as boosters. Frank Scornavacca, Bill Barlen, Peter Finlay, Pat Carlucci, Ray Borzio, Jim Glessner, Keith Redding, Ken Rivera, Gail Smith and Joe Cromwell, were among the first advisors. Frank Scornavacca, Bill Barlen, and Ray Borzio continue as advisors, as well as editorial contributors on a regular basis. Peter “Godfather” Finlay (he gave the thumbs-up on the name of this publication) joined us as Associate Publisher following his retirement from BOC Gases (Airco).
Our publication did not really take on a professional aura until Bill Miller joined as Advertising Manager and regular columnist. His untimely death was a jolt—the loss of a good friend and major contributor. SGR was fortunate to have Pat Carlucci enter the scene as ad manager, following his early retirement from CONCOA. Mark Conroy, a real gas expert, came on as technical reviewer and article contributor, and Stephen Grieco goes beyond exceptional with his proofing and re-write acumen. The contributions of B&R Consultants in regulations, as well as so many others are too numerous to list, but our gratitude to them is boundless.
We grew and grew, adding seminars, an expanded web site, a buyers guide, and almost unlimited trade show coverage.
We not only have exceeded our goals, we have had fun doing it throughout the years. We pledge to continue our mission to all of you, our loyal readers.
