FROM THE PUBLISHER

FIVE YEARS and 30 issues between Roast’s first appearance at a SCAA show in Atlanta in 2004 and SCAA Atlanta 2009: it’s hard to believe. It has been an incredible half-decade of experiences for our publishing team. There has been public recognition, from winning the SCAA’s Best New Educational Tool at that first show to numerous design and editorial awards. There has been business growth—our first magazine was 56 pages, and this edition is 124. And there certainly have been unforgettable experiences: inspirational trips to origin, learning and laughing with our industry’s best and brightest and, of course, moonlit snipe hunts at the Roasters Guild Retreat.
     Those experiences have been amazing, but what has made these things truly special has been the friendships I have developed, particularly with one of the leaders of the Roast production team: our editor, Shanna Germain, who has poured her heart and soul into every one of our issues.
     When you first meet someone, rarely do you ever think about how that person will affect your life. The same was true when I met Shanna. At the time I first interviewed Shanna for the position of editor of Roast, the magazine was still a concept. Because this was a new and untested idea and it hadn’t been fully developed, I was nervous about hiring anyone, but I liked her demeanor, and I thought her style would fit well in the specialty coffee community. I don’t think I have ever made a better decision for Roast, which is why it is so hard to say goodbye, as Shanna has decided to move abroad to continue to pursue her writing dreams.
     Shanna always brought an easy professionalism to her job, and whether it was grinding through painful proofreading sessions, writing technically challenging articles or representing the magazine at public events, Shanna has consistently reflected the values that our readers associate with Roast—dedication, technical excellence and craftsmanship—which is why I know that she will be successful as she continues along her chosen path.
     She once wrote in her editor’s column, “I just keep thinking how lucky I am to have a job that brings a smile to my face and so many great people into my life.” I think many of our writers, advertisers and especially readers would say that we have been the lucky ones.
     All is not tears and goodbyes, however, as I am very excited to introduce Kelly Stewart as the new editor of Roast. Kelly brings a deep and varied background of writing and editing experience, as well as a master’s level of education in journalism, to help us continue to grow to meet the changing demands of specialty coffee roasters and retailers. I am quite confident in Kelly’s abilities and look forward to introducing her to the unique and interesting characters that make up the specialty coffee family.
     I could not have asked for a better five years; however, if we are content with today, we might miss tomorrow’s opportunities, and that would be as big a shame today as it would have been five years ago. I want to be able to write a column five years from now that congratulates new experiences and revels in new growth, and does both with new and old friends.

     Warmest Wishes,
     Connie