Features Equipment & Systems
New Beginnings In A Familiar Place

I am thrilled, and a little awed, to be at the helm of Pulp & Paper Canada. This magazine was the first publication I worked on after graduating from journalism school. For several years during Peter Williamson’s reign as editor, I was an editorial assistant, writing news stories and preparing technical papers for publication.

That early exposure introduced me to the traditions and values espoused by the Pulp & Paper Canada group of publications. In recent weeks, I’ve seen that the magazine continues to be an authority in the industry, and have a strong connection with its readers, as well as outstanding technical content.

In the intervening years, I have edited several magazines at Business Information Group, the parent company of Pulp & Paper Canada. I now have first-hand knowledge of logging operations, how to mold plastic parts, and how to repair vehicles.

While some concerns are consistent among businesses in different sectors, a readership survey performed last spring has provided me with valuable insight to what Pulp & Paper Canada readers want from their magazine. It helped to crystallize my own ideas about the direction our content should take. Pulp & Paper Canada needs a bit of a return to its roots, with more input from mills, more case histories, and more voices from the industry. For that, I’ll be drawing on you, the readers. Feel free to send me your ideas and comments, or talk to me in person at industry events.

Yves Lavertu has laid the groundwork for some timely and relevant stories in the upcoming issues. The April edition will have articles on energy conservation strategies and the emergence of energy issues on the public agenda.

In May, we present an update on biorefining, reviewing the projects of a few leaders in this sector and outlining strategies for business ventures in this new realm of forest products.

It’s invigorating to join a sector in the midst of transforming itself, as the forest products sector is doing. There’s much to talk about, much to learn, and a challenging role for me to fill in bringing the news to you quickly and accurately. My first opportunity to meet everyone will be at PacWest in June. I’m looking forward to it.

You can reach me at cindy@pulpandpapercanada.comor 416-510-6755, or toll-free at 800-268-7742, ext. 6755. For our friends south of the border, call 800-387-0273, ext. 6755.

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Cindy Macdonald cindy@pulpandpapercanada.com