This is my first issue as editor of the Basin Business Journal. I can't express how excited I am to be editing Central Washington's premier ag business newspaper.

Out-of-staters think of Washington as the home of Microsoft and Boeing, but the less-glamorous farming industry here is vital to our economy, not only here but across the country and around the world. (Think about it: when's the last time you sat down to a hot, fresh plate of software, or bit into a nice juicy 747?) Without farmers, none of the rest of the economy matters.

Growing up in Goldendale, Washington (population 3,200, motto: "Moo!"), I've always been acutely aware of the importance of agriculture to our region. And living for almost 20 years in Moses Lake has only increased my appreciation for the complex, highly technical work that today's farmers do.

Over the next few months, you may see some changes in the way the Basin Business Journal looks. I hope you'll also see the same excellent coverage you've come to expect from our paper. In either case, we'd really like to hear what you think. A paper is only as good as its ability to reach readers, and if you're not being reached, then we need to do something different.

Just as importantly, we need to know what you want to read about. If you know of an upcoming event, or somebody you think would make an interesting profile, or even if you just have an idea you'd like to see covered, please get in touch with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (509) 765-8549. We want to cover the issues and happenings that matter to you, so we rely on you to let us know what those are.

I look forward to many years of keeping the Basin ag community informed.