IT IS GREAT TO BE back in Atlanta for Medtrade 2002 with so many good friends and associates, on this the 25th anniversary of HomeCare magazine. It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years.

Clearly, these are interesting — and challenging — times for the HME industry. It says a lot for the industry's character and the fortitude that HomeCare is here to celebrate such a momentous anniversary.

As we kick off our 25th year, we are particularly proud to recognize six individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the character and vitality of our industry. During the show, HomeCare will honor these leaders with the HomeCare Caring Award for distinguished service. We hope you will take time to celebrate with us, as these individuals most likely are people whom you know personally or who have touched your life through their generosity, leadership and spirit.

We also are pleased to sponsor a critical learning event at Medtrade 2002. For the first time ever, some of the industry's most respected respiratory and rehabilitation professionals will come together to provide comprehensive training and workshops — right on the show floor. Be sure to visit the show's training center and check the schedule for a session that would enhance your knowledge in these disciplines.

The HomeCare conference series, entitled “Building Business Strategies,” is a must-attend educational opportunity designed to help you run your business better. Series topics include: “Working Effectively with the Distributor: Value-Added Opportunities;” “Managed Care: Understanding the Trends;” and “Plugging Into the Electronic Supply Chain.” These sessions will take place Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., as part of the regular educational conference.

Remember to visit the new www.homecaremag.com. Our Web site has been redesigned. I think you will find it to be not only a comprehensive site but also a useful archive of past HomeCare articles. The site brings together the entire HomeCare family of products, including HomeCare magazine, HomeCare Monday, HomeCareXtra and HomeCare Advocate (coming in November). It also includes essential industry links for the HME provider. Why go searching all over the Internet when www.homecaremag.com can be your one source?

When you have a few minutes during this busy season, put your feet up and read the October issue of HomeCare from cover to cover. While you're reading, join us in celebrating 25 years — and looking forward to 25 more. Close your eyes and tell yourself, “There's no place like HomeCare.”

On behalf of the entire HomeCare team, best wishes for an exceptional Medtrade 2002.