Changes for '98

Northwestern Financial Review, Jan 10, 1998 by Bengtson, Tom

Bob Cronin has been an integral part of Northwestern Financial Review magazine since it was formed in 1988 through the merger of Commercial West and Northwestern Banker magazines. Bob's relationships with our advertisers have been critical to the success of this publication. I've always admired his drive, his perseverance and his ability to get things done. That's why I had no reservations about forming a 50-50 partnership with Bob in 1992 to purchase this publication. After nearly 15 years of service to Northwestern Financial Review and its predecessor, Bob has decided to seek a new career path. His last day with Northwestern Financial Review was Jan. 2. He is in the process of sorting out a number of professional options, and it is my hope that he will select something related to banking so I will continue to see him at industry meetings.

During our partnership, Bob was the "Rainmaker." He's the guy who made things happen. Without advertisers, there wouldn't be a publication. And Bob did an excellent job servicing all of our advertisers, from the smallest to the largest. Plus, he knows banking as well as anyone. His knowledge of the industry in Iowa is particularly impressive.

Bob has been a first-rate business partner over the years and I wish him nothing but the very best for the future.

THE BEGINNING OF a new year is a natural time to implement changes. With Bob's departure, Jackie Hilgert and I will be handling the responsibilities related to advertising. I want to assure all of our advertisers that you can expect the same level of service from Northwestern Financial Review that you have received over the years.

Other changes are more relevant to our readers. First, you will notice a more liberal use of color in this magazine, which is a development we plan to make a permanent part of our format. Also, you will notice that our contents page features a listing for our web site. Every issue will include new information on our web site for those readers inclined to use the Internet. We also are providing more value to our classified advertisers by listing their ads on our web site.

Finally, our editorial content will continue to focus on the people and events that make banking such an interesting industry in this part of the country. Although Bob has provided much of our Iowa coverage in the past, I want to reassure our Iowa readers that despite his departure coverage of Iowa news remains a priority. In fact, all readers can look forward to increased state news coverage in the year to come.

So while it is time to say good luck to a valued former partner, it also is a time to renew my commitment to the readers and advertisers who make this magazine the great 104-year institution that it is.