Yesterday, ISS Editor Amy Campbell published her top-10 list of Inside Self-Storage happenings and accomplishments in 2010. This past year was eventful and productive for those of us here at Virgo Publishing. We welcomed a new president and CEO, launched innovative print and Web products, and said farewell to a few old favorites. ISS launched an all-new curriculum for its Qualified Storage Manager training program, unveiled a redesigned website, re-established its relationship with sister publication Professional Door Dealer, and hired a new marketing manager. And those are just a few highlights.
But now is time to forge ahead into a new year and set our sights on goals for ISS and the industry it serves. Here are a few things you can look forward to in 2011:
Self-Storage Talk Mobile: Options are being investigated for offering a mobile version of SST, which will allow members of the industrys largest online community to stay connected and in the know, even when theyre on the go. Thousands of self-storage professionals are using the forum to get answers to their pressing questions and build relationships with peers. Not yet a member? Registration is free and easy at www.selfstoragetalk.com.
Best of Business: ISS will conduct its first ever Best of Business choice-opinion poll in 2011, which will allow industry users to vote on their favorite suppliers in a wide range of categories. Watch for details this winter!
Expo Excitement: Not only is ISS amped up to host the industrys largest conference and trade event in 2011, March 14-16, in Las Vegas, were thrilled to conduct our fall show in a new venue: Hotel Murano and the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center in Tacoma, Wash. This is our first foray into the Pacific Northwest, and were thrilled to welcome attendees from our neighbor to the north. The fall expo will feature education and exhibits specific to our Canadian audience.
Audience Benefits: As part of the ISS audience, you already enjoy a plethora of incredible benefits through our print publications and websites including e-books, webinars, newsletters, an extensive article archive, blogs, forum access and much more. Watch in the year ahead as we add even greater resources to our palette of offerings, including more ways for you to get the information you crave and save money in your day-to-day operation. I cant say much more than that now The specifics are still a secret! Shhhhhhhhh.
Extra Education: Many of you know about or have participated in the Qualified Storage Manager online certification program offered through our Self-Storage Training Institute. A new curriculum of courses was released in October and has already become extremely popular with facility managers and owners. Just last month, ISS brought on board a dedicated sales expert to introduce this wonderful program to facility operators nationwide. If youre a multi-facility owner or management company interested in receiving bulk discounts, reach out to Lisa Wolfe at [email protected]. New classes will be added to the website throughout the year, so keep an eye on SelfStorageEducation.com!
As you can see, theres plenty to look forward to in 2011, and we hope to develop even more additions to the ISS family of resources in the months ahead. We wish you all the greatest business and personal success now and in the future. Happy New Year.