AUTOMATIC
MERCHANDISER
EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
Anant Agrawal
Cantaloupe Systems
Brad Ellis
Crane Co.
Carl Moser
Cardinal Canteen
Food Service
Chuck Reed
Crane Payment
Innovations (CPI)
Elyssa Allahyar-Steiner
Avanti Markets Inc.
Jeff Whitacre
Food Express
Jim Carbone
The Classic Group/Chicago
Coffees & Teas
Jodi Glimpse
Camelback Vending
Joe Hessling
365 Retail Markets
Lee Hartnett
Commercial Coffee Service/
Food Systems Inc.
Michael Miller
Mondelez International
Paresh Patel
PayRange
Paul Schlossberg
D/FW Consulting
Sandy Thornton
VendEdge
P U B L I S H E R ' S N O T E B Y M O N I Q U E T E R R A Z A S
Moving on with
fond memories
I'm transitioning to a new role, but the publication's vision remains steadfast.
s we really start getting into 2015,
I wanted to let you know of some
changes here at Automatic Merchan-
diser/VendingMarketWatch.com. After much
refection, I have decided to accept an oppor-
tunity with another publishing company in
the business-to-business (B2B) industry. It
wasn't without diffculty. I've been with this
publication for more than fve years, becom-
ing publisher in 2012. It has been a great
ride. As I've said before, once you experience
this industry, it gets into
your blood and you can't
get enough of it. While
the industry has seen
quite a bit of change/
consolidation/challenges
over the years, vending
still plays a vital role to
consumers. I've enjoyed
being part of the publica-
tion that brings you news,
technologies, equipment
and products that help
you run your businesses
and make vending users a
fan for life.
Moving in a digital world
My time spent leading
the publication has been
nothing short of blessed.
However, throughout
the years, I have been
very interested in digital
media and the new and
exciting opportunities
that it has given to publishers like myself and
advertisers. That is why when the opportu-
nity came to lead the digital sales efforts for
a number of different publications at another
B2B media company, I couldn't refuse. This
media company doesn't have a vending,
micro market or OCS property, so I unfortu-
nately won't be working with this industry;
instead, I'll be making new friends and col-
leagues in other industries. I hope they will
be as welcoming.
Introducing Ron Bean
While I am departing, there is someone I want
to introduce to you. His name is Ron Bean,
the new publisher of Automatic Merchandiser
and VendingMarketWatch.com. Many of you
will have heard from Ron already, but if you
haven't, be sure to reach out to him at Ron.
Bean@VendingMarketWatch.com or 920-
568-8386. He will be attending the NAMA
OneShow in April as well. Ron comes from
KeHE Distributors where he was an event,
sponsorship and publications sales coordina-
tor. He has worked in the publishing industry
at different publications and in different roles
for more than 20 years, so he brings plenty of
experience. I know I am leaving the publica-
tion in good hands.
In closing, I just want to say this. Auto-
matic Merchandiser and VendingMarket-
Watch.com had an absolutely fantastic year
and I know that the property will continue to
be the source for relevant and timely infor-
mation to the industry. It has truly been a
pleasure working with all of you and my best
wishes for a successful 2015.
A
IT'S truly
been a
pleasure
working
with all
of you —
my best
wishes
for 2015.
''
I look forward to meeting
and working with
all of you in this
exciting industry.
''
Ron Bean, Publisher, Automatic
Merchandiser
& VendingMarketWatch.com
8 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com March 2015