I think we all can agree that the last year has been stranger than anything any of us ever could have imagined. If you're like me, you're looking for something to point to that will make things seem closer to normal.
For us here at Rubber & Plastics News, our "something" is a landmark in our publishing history. This August, our publication celebrates its 50th Anniversary, and we're pretty excited about it.
In fact, we couldn't wait that long to start the festivities. Starting with this issue and the next nine leading up to RPN's birthday, each edition will include what we call our "List of 5," detailing something to give you a small taste of the last five decades our industry.
We start off with a "List of 5 Associations" serving the rubber industry. By the time we reach the Aug. 9 anniversary issue, you'll already have 50 reasons—be they moments, trends, organizations or something else memorable—why the tire and rubber industry is special.
But we've got a lot more in store, and we are asking you, our loyal readers, to join in the celebration. Here are some of the ways we'd like to have you participate:
• We invite you to share with us just what it is you love about the rubber industry, for us to share on social media.
• Our Aug. 9 keepsake edition will include a section profiling the "unsung heroes" of the business, those behind the scenes who play a vital role in the industry but rarely land in the spotlight. They may be executive assistants, factory workers, HR or IT personnel, or any number of other job titles. We ask you to nominate those who you have witnessed making a difference.
• The anniversary issue also will feature advice from five people who have been in the rubber industry for 50 years or more; insights from five people who have been in the business less than five years, on what they are looking forward to; and small capsules from a rubber-related company in each of the 50 states. We ask that you send us suggestions on who to focus on in these features.
As we work our way forward in our celebration, we'll detail more about how you can take part, but for now contact either myself at [email protected] or Erin Pustay Beaven, our managing editor, at [email protected].
And one last thing, we'll be making a big announcement in that Aug. 9 issue. But that's our secret for now.
Meyer is editor of Rubber & Plastics News, and he has been a part of the RPN journey for 33 of its 50 years.
