Spuds, grapes and internet

This issue is the cause of a feverish work pace and early ad deadlines. The focus is on potatoes, particularly the Washington and Oregon Potato Conference held in Kennewick and put on by the Washington Potato Commission. Even though we try to cover all aspects of agriculture throughout the year our January issue is largely a big spud. But let's not forget January's Real Ag Show and the Washington Hay Expo held the earlier in January. These are two great trade shows and conferences held in Tri-Cities and managed by Ag Management, Inc. in Kennewick. You'll also see a lot of information about the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers' trade show that takes place in early February. Every event offers sales and networking opportunities. A great quote I heard once was "if everybody is going to eat, somebody has to sell" Whether looking for new products to improve what you do, or selling products you produce, everybody is in the sales business. Each trade show, conference and convention offers opportunities.

Wandering around these shows and talking with real people I've gotten a clear message. That message is that the Basin Business Journal must be about information important to the farmers of Central Washington. It's what our readers want and the reason our advertisers work with us. It was also brought up repeatedly that we need to develop and online presence so those that are attached to the digital world can get the same information as having the Basin Business Journal in their hand. Listening to your input we have taken the steps that will put the Basin Business Journal online beginning in late February. The date is actually early February but I'm a realist and think there may be a week or two where bugs will need to be ironed out. Please stay tuned, we are really looking forward to expanding our reach.