Greetings from balmy Cleveland, Ohio!

It’s been mighty busy around here as of late. I’m sure most of you all are experiencing the same as we head into fall, although the weather makes it feel like summer -- especially since I was up too late last night watching the Indians beat the Yankees in the ALDS!

Around here we’re busy preparing for the upcoming issue of AI 360, which is sure to be a great issue with a sneak peek of the new products coming out in 2008. As I’ve mentioned before, we are constantly working with our vendors to bring the best products we can find to our customers. That being said, I hope everyone will be pleased with what we have coming out in the new catalog and with its new design.

It’s also that time of year when we’re busy preparing to go to the Photo Plus East Expo in NYC. It’s one of my favorite places to go, especially in the fall. The PPE show was the very first tradeshow that I went to when I began my career over 12 years ago. I can still remember how excited I was to have a chance to go the show. It was my first trip to the “Big Apple” and I’ve been in love every since. Back in those days, I spent my time at the show going to all the seminars and programs. Sitting and listening to some of the finest photographers and artists, like Sam Merrill and Katrin Eismann, just blew me away! I remember walking in the entrance and seeing Douglas Kirkland and just being awestruck! And then, seeing all the booths and all the happenings on the show floor, whew, I was a kid in a candy store! When I wasn’t in seminars, I was helping to write orders at our booth. That first day, by the end of the day, I was hoarse from talking and utterly exhausted. Now mind you, I still managed to see the bright lights of Times Square that night, but it was certainly more excitement and work than I had ever experienced. For a kid straight out of college, it was a big deal.

This year, I’m bringing Thomas Cook and Doug Kiley to the show with me. They’re the two commercial photographers that I have worked with for almost 10 years. Affectionately know as DK and Mouse, these two gifted photographers shoot all of the Albums Inc. work that you see. From the catalog and ads to the website, you name it, they shoot it. Mouse and DK will be speaking for the first time at WPPI 2008, so they’re coming to NYC to see what PPE has to offer. They’ve got a loaded schedule of seminars, plus they will be on hand to meet our clients. I’m hoping to get the chance to see some of the programs with them this year, as I miss not getting to experience that part of the show. We’re super excited to have them on board to present a new way of thinking when it comes to both the old school and new school philosophies about photography.
I’m glad to say that even after 12+ years, I still feel the same excitement when I think about PPE. I can’t wait to experience seeing old friends, the hustle and bustle of the show floor, and the bright lights of the big city. Most of all, I’m fascinated to see all the changes going on in our industry.

Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!

Ciao,
Miche