An Open Letter From the Publisher

Bobbin, Jan, 2001

Dear Reader:

With this issue of Bobbin, we mark a major milestone. We are proud to announce that Apparel Industry Magazine (AIM) has been combined with Bobbin. Our intent? To deliver the absolute best information resource to you every month -- one that blends the strengths of both Bobbin and AIM to exceed your most demanding requirements and offer unparalleled value in helping you succeed in your business.

If you had been an AIM subscriber, this integration means you now will receive Bobbin each month. To all of you, please accept our warm welcome and know that we are anxious to learn about your particular interests and needs. We look forward to this process during the coming months.

And to our Bobbin subscribers, rest assured that we will continue to bring you the stories, news and features that you've asked for, while committing ourselves to an even higher level of editorial performance.

A prevalent theme in the sewn products industry has been partnering -- pairing up with complementary entities to produce a better product and to more effectively serve the end consumer. You are our end consumer, and through this partnership it is our goal to produce a publication to your exact specifications. Just as you strive to understand what styles, colors, functional characteristics and fit options appeal to your customers, we will strive to understand what subjects most appeal to you, and specifically how you want those topics covered.

As such, we openly invite your feedback. Please stay in touch to let us know what you like, what you don't like and what you want to read more about. You may reach our editorial staff by calling 800-845-8820/803-771-7500, sending us a fax at 803-799-1461 or writing us care of Bill Communications at 1500 Hampton St., Suite 150, Columbia, SC 29201. We welcome your e-mails as well. Write to editor in chief Lisa Rabon at Lrabon@billcom.com or to me at Sblack@billcom.com.

We have an exciting 2001 lineup planned for you. We hope you'll benefit from features such as this month's special "Technology Outlook" (starting on page 44) as well as planned stories on international sourcing, B2B trends, retail fulfillment strategies, supply chain management, equipment and technology developments and much more. And of course we'll bring you the most exclusive and complete information on Bobbin World, set for Aug. 15-17 in Orlando, FL. You'll be able to read monthly updates on this renowned mega event in Bobbin, with details on everything from educational seminars to planned technology and product releases. (See page 24 for this month's update.)

But again, what matters most is what's on your mind. Let us hear from you so that we can continue to ensure that Bobbin best serves you, as has been our goal for the past 42 years.

With best regards,

Susan S. Black

Publisher