From the Publisher: Change is Good

Published on Thu, 12/10/2015 - 2:15pm

This “From the Publisher” note may read very similar to one you read not long ago. The subject of ‘change’ seems to be a constant theme around here. And while change may conjure up uncertain thoughts and emotions, for us at Heartland Communications and the Livestock Media Group this change represents an exciting time of both business and personal growth. With that said, the change I’m referring to is a leadership change and my acceptance of the position of Livestock Media Group Publisher.

You may recognize my name from the masthead in past issues of American Dairymen. I am not new to the Livestock Media Group. In 2011, I joined Rick Thomas in a small venture that included publishing American Dairymen and American Cattlemen. Starting as the Sales Assistant and soon moving into the Sales Manager role, many times over the past 5 years, I was told I was destined to become the Publisher of Livestock Media Group. Honestly, I thought everyone who said that was a little crazy. And I never imagined it would be now.

Although I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, I was not meant to be a city girl. In high school I was fortunate to be able to study agriculture and horticulture, and was an active member of FFA. This was it, I found my passion! Continuing my education, I studied sales and marketing. As I moved through my career, sales and marketing became my focus, but not in agriculture. That is until I found a perfect fit with LMG. I consider myself very lucky to find a career where I can blend my passion with my education and experience. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. My position also helps with my O.C.D — Obsessive Cow Disorder!

Away from the LMG office, I am a full time dance mom — the props, the costumes, the hair and makeup, running my two teenage daughters to and from dance and competitions. In my free time I love to up-cycle old furniture and objects — taking what most might think is just junk and using my creativity to turn it into something new.

Looking forward, 2016 will bring change for all of us. As the saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”. For us at the Livestock Media Group change is a constant and it’s that transformation that we believe keeps new eyes and fresh ideas flowing through our company and our publications. Yes, we are changing — but the more we change, what I guarantee will remain constant is our dedication to you and to our industries, that we will provide the best magazine, multimedia and customer service experience available in the marketplace today. That was our mission 5 years ago when I joined the Livestock Media Group as a sales assistant, and now, as a very proud publisher, that remains our mission, and my passion today.

 

Lissa Baker

Publisher and Editor, American Dairymen