Training Act II

My mentor, colleague, and friend Joyceann Cooney-Garippa always says, "When one door closes, another opens." In my case, I'm thrilled that the door opened to Training, Act II, allowing me to reprise my role as editor-in-chief of Training magazine, albeit from a slightly different stage as I'm now working from home. After 18 years of hours a day commuting to New York City by train, I have to say this is a welcome change. And my dachshund, Noel, is equally excited about the company (at least I think she is-it might just be the extra treats she cons me out of throughout the day). 

For those of you who didn't see the script, let me set the scene: Minneapolis, MN-based Lakewood Media Group acquired from Nielsen Business Media all of the assets related to the Training brand on May 14. And I do mean all of the assets: The Training Conference & Expo; Training Top 125 and Top Young Trainers awards programs; three e-newsletters (Inside Training, Training Top 125, Training Tech Talk); all databases; 15 Websites; and the 46-year-old, market-leading Training magazine. 

And if the Lakewood company name sounds familiar, there's a reason. For more than 25 years, Lakewood Publications was the publisher and owner of the Training brand. Training veteran and Lakewood Vice President Phil Jones, who orchestrated the online and in-person Training brand extensions, returns as a member of this new team as VP of Market Strategy, and Mike Murrell takes over as publisher. 

Other familiar cast members continuing with the Training brand include: 

• Joyceann Cooney-Garippa, Brand Products Director 
• Julie Groshens, Conference Director 
• Leah Nelson, Senior Conference Program Manager 
• Gary Dworet, Account Executive 
• Kris Stokes, Marketing Manager 

So what happens next? First, rest assured that Training magazine will continue in print six times a year. Upcoming issue dates are September/October 2010 (technology focus) and November/December 2010 (research focus with the Industry Report and Salary Survey). E-newsletters and www.trainingmag.com are already back in operation. There will be a 2011 Training Conference & Expo (the 34th annual, in fact) at the San Diego Convention Center February 7-9, complete with the Training Top 125 black-tie awards dinner. 

That means the 2011 Training Top 125 application is available NOW: Please visit www.trainingmag.com/top125 to download the application if you haven't already. The deadline is September 27, 2010. 

Finally, I want to congratulate the 2010 Top Young Trainers, 40 training professionals who possess formidable leadership skills and accomplishments. Please read their profiles and learn from their strategies and solutions. 

It's so good to be back! Please note my new e-mail address and send me your article ideas and product/technology/people news. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Lorri Freifeld 
lorri.@trainingmag.com