2009 is an important year for International Pizza Expo — it’s the trade show’s 25th anniversary. Additionally, Pizza Today celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. I’m honored and proud to be a part of these two wonderful industry assets, and know that their quartercentury of helping pizzeria operators improve business is an achievement worthy of celebration. That’s exactly what we’ll do March 10-12 in Las Vegas. We’re giving away $25,000 cash to close the show, and we’re throwing another of our popular “Rockin’ ” parties on March 11. I hope you can make it. I know you’ll be glad you did.

Do me a favor when you’re at the show. Budget a few minutes to stop by the Pizza Today booth and say hello to our staff members. Meeting you and learning about your pizzerias is a yearly highlight for us.

In the meantime, I want to send out a most sincere “thank you” to those who support the Expo and Pizza Today each and every year. From our advertisers and exhibitors to our readers and attendees, you are the reason we exist. We value the lasting partnerships we’ve formed with you over the years and we’re eager to advance those relationships in 2009 and beyond.

Pizzeria owners everywhere know 2009 will be a tough year. But strides can be made and there is ground to gain if you put together a solid marketing and product plan and stick to it. We’ll continue to provide the industry’s best advice month in and month out, and I know our advertisers — those companies who provide the industry’s backbone — will continue seeking products that make your businesses more effi cient and more profi table.

Lastly, if you get a chance when you’re walking the show fl oor this month, seek out the companies that invest in your business by advertising in Pizza Today and thank them for their support of our great industry. They’ll be glad to hear from you, and they may even cut you a deal on a product or service!

Best,

Jeremy White, editor-in-chief
[email protected]