So many people are so anxious to say goodbye to 2020, it seems only fitting to stop a minute to say: “But, remember to remember the good things that happened this year.” Like so many (too many) things in life, the good only comes alongside an ample serving of bad. We learn lessons...

When it comes to reflecting on our families and lessoned learned, there is no better time than the end of the year holidays. As we prepare for and celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzza), our thoughts are filled with warm memories of the past. There is never a wrong time...

Every month, I encourage our advertisers, industry professionals, and others to write what they would like to say to you. That, plain and simple, is the purpose of the open forum program we began 5 years ago when I started at The Advertiser. And, you are invited to say what you would like to...

Last month, Joe Kannapell took us on a terrific tour of BCMCs past in his column, The Last Word on 2020 BCMC – Virtually! Because we cannot attend an in-person BCMC show this fall, I’ve been thinking about ways to capture some of the spirit of BCMC. Step 1. See Products Without...

The other day, I heard an “expert” on the television say, people will do anything they possibly can to avoid change. Even though I was preoccupied with whatever-it-was I had been doing, that jumped out at me and I started listening to that yammering in the background. This person was...

So often, perhaps too often, we read along with various facts and figures on our computer screens, process the data, and then look to the next topic. Every once in a while though, something will jump out at us and remind us how much facts are (only) relative. A Picture of Housing...

We’re all adults, so we can admit that we all make our share of stupid mistakes. I’m not talking about important mistakes that have real consequences. I’m talking about the small, annoying, obnoxious mistakes that make us shake our heads and wish we could go back and correct...

Have you used our Safety First topics in your production safety meetings? If not, why not? Safety First began in 2013 and the topics rotate every 24 months. This rotation schedule ensures that  your new hires have access to important safety topics. From Substance Abuse, Safe Lifting...

A few times in May, I have been asked if I would write my June column on the COVID-19 crisis. My answer has been, “I’m not sure.” Obviously, we all have many thoughts and feelings on the topic. We all are confronting the challenges in our lives each day. We all have strong...

In these uncertain times, it’s nice to seize all opportunities to celebrate, especially milestones. They can lift us up and make us smile. They can remind us of a destination we’re striving to reach, and they can applaud our journey to date. The Advertiser Reaches 250 Drumroll,...