Hello, everyone!

Whew, hard to believe summer is just about over. Seems like we were just getting started! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve had a chance to write and as most of you know, it’s been busy around here! And we are lovin’ it! As of this past Monday, August 27, 2007, Albums Inc. is the new home of WN Albums. All of us here at AI are ecstatic to welcome our new clients to the family. I had the opportunity to meet some of our new friends down in Orlando, Florida, at the FPPA Show this past weekend. It was a great turnout and a job well done by the FPPA staff and committee, especially Luis “Mellow Lou” Melendi.

Kathy Biegel, my sister, Nicole, and I were crazy-busy the entire show. It’s fantastic to see both old friends and new at what was the start of the fall shows. It totally makes my day when someone passes the booth, smiles and says, “We buy everything from you guys, we love you,” or “I’ve been a customer for 20 years.” Talk about music to my ears!! As of today the girls are off to New England for the PPANE show and I’m staying home to sink my teeth into the new 2008 AI catalog.

I’m so excited about some of the new products that are coming out in 2008, as well as making the catalog more user friendly. Rather than organizing the catalog by manufacturer, this coming year we are combining all custom and ready made catalogs into one book that will be chock full of innovative, quality products. People love our catalog, but I must admit, many also are overwhelmed by how much we have to offer. One of the most frequent statements I heard over the weekend was, “Gosh, there are so many albums out in the market today, I don’t even know where to start!”

I agree with everyone who uttered this comment. Things have changed drastically in the past 3-5 years, and now everyone is selling albums. Variety is a good thing, but I can see how it can lead to confusion for many. So, to those folks who asked what makes AI different, as many did, I explained that it’s up to us to help them sort through all of the information, evaluate their individual needs, and help them find the right fit. More often that not, we are able to find a perfect fit with one or more of our 11, 000 products. Even if we don’t have what someone might be looking for, I’m always happy to steer a client to one of our friendly competitors.

That’s just what we do at Albums Inc. And after 34 years, we are thrilled that we still get to do it!

Ciao,
Miche