Regretfully, it's time for me to say goodbye. I've been withClaims since October 2000, and it's been a terrific ride and awonderful cap to my career in publishing, which began in an era ofbrand new cars that sold for $2,200 (a convertible, no less). Thatshould tell you something.

What's next for me? While I was sitting at home one evening,pondering the prospect of change, my wife pointed out that this wasnot so much an end, but a beginning of something new. Sheencouraged me to look at other avenues of success and challenges.So, in addition to freelancing for this terrific publication, I'veapplied for a position as an official greeter in the surgicalwaiting room of a local hospital. It's not the pay that matters,but rather the opportunity to be of help and comfort to others.

Although I won't be moving on until the end of this month, thereare thanks and kudos I must acknowledge to many of those who havesupported me, and especially Claims, through these years.

First and foremost, to our loyal advertisers who have supportedthis magazine…forever. You've been the backbone of our continuedsuccess!

I also want to thank our president and our CFO, Andy Goodenoughand Tom Flynn, who have always been good enough for me and mystaff. I've always been careful not to ask for (silly) stuff, butonly what I thought was critical for the continuing success of ourpublishing endeavors. And they never let me down.

And now on to our publisher, Harry Rosenthal. He has repeatedlycome up with new ways to improve our product (and productivity)through his creativity and programming — always on target.

And on to our support staff, the advertising department staffand our “service” staff. That would especially include our graphicproduction and art department. Our art director is one of the mosttalented I've ever encountered, and he gives great turnaround.Jason Williams never says no, or “it can't be done that way.” Healways finds a way, or a perfect alternative that fills the bill.He's refined the magazine more than once and has initiated amarvelous redesign, which I'm sure you all have noticed.

Now, on to our loyal readers. Without you we would not exist.You faithfully read Claims, and often respond withthoughtful and pertinent suggestions on issues you want us to coveror expand upon. You are our pulse and we need your continuedsupport.

That support should go to the new editor who will be replacingme, moving into the hot seat, so to speak. You all know him. He'sEric Gilkey, currently managing editor, who will take the helm onJune 1st. He's experienced a mercurial rise through the ranks. Hejoined us in February 2005 as assistant editor. He rose toassociate and then managing editor. He's learned the insuranceclaim industry “from scratch,” And I knew from his first month onthe job that he was a keeper. (He actually had the audacity to tryto escape once, so I chained him to a pole in my basement until hecame to his senses. It only took a raise and some of my wife'sgreat cooking to get him to come around to reality.) Eric hassucceeded in putting together an excellent editorial support staff.You'll become more familiar with them in the near future.

I leave here with fond thoughts in my heart, and best wishes forsuccess to everyone who is part of the Claims family and everyonewho works so hard to support the industry as a whole, and the claimfunctions in particular. I've made many friends throughout mytenure. Be assured you will remain in my thoughts and prayers as wemove forward, meeting future challenges. There are too many tomention, but you all know who you are. Au revoir.