FieldOfVision,AGRR,JanuaryFebruary2012

Volume 14, Issue 1 - January February 2012

Field of Vision
from the editor

Happy 2012
by Penny Stacey

Here we are again—
another New Year. In this issue, AGRR™ magazine has included an all-inclusive guide to 2012. From the industry’s leading suppliers, to top challenges technicians will face in the New Year, to what the industry’s leaders predict for the year ahead—it’s all here.

On page 20, you will see that many of the industry’s leaders are optimistic, though many remain modest about what’s to come—predicting that miles driven may level out, but hopefully won’t drop further. Others project that the upcoming presidential election could play a role and the economy could see a rebound. I am anxious to see whose predictions are accurate—and what this year might hold in store for the auto glass industry. Will miles driven on U.S. roadways increase? Will consumers continue to hold onto their cars? Time will tell, but be sure to find out what our industry leaders have predicted.

Our annual industry Buyer’s Guide appears on page 28, and it’s bigger and better than ever this year; be sure to keep it on hand throughout the year for whenever you are looking for a new distributor, moulding or tool. And, if you have suggestions for how we can grow it further into the future, please email me at pstacey@glass.com.

In this issue, we’ve also included an inside look at what industry expert Bob Beranek says will be some of the most major technical challenges for technicians in the New Year. Among these are exposed edge glass, advanced coatings and more. He also offers tips for how to prepare for these as the year gets underway.

And, finally, if you want to learn more about these and all of the industry’s newest issues, please mark your calendar now for September 20-22, when the auto glass industry will gather in Louisville, Ky., for Auto Glass Week™. If you were at last year’s event, I’m sure you’ll be headed there again—and, if you missed it, be sure to attend this year. Last year’s event included countless educational sessions, days of networking opportunities, and a chance to meet with industry suppliers and associates from across the world who share the same daily issues, challenges and concerns.

My calendar is marked, and I hope yours is as well.

We look forward to continuing to bring the latest news and in-depth articles to you in 2012. Please also email me at pstacey@glass.com to let me know what your predictions are for the year ahead.
Happy New Year.

Penny Stacey is the editor of AGRR™ magazine/glassBYTEs.com™. Follow her on Twitter @agrrmagazine, read her blog at http://fortherecord.agrrmag.com/, and like AGRR Magazine on Facebook to receive the latest updates.