Wise businesses approach any new project with a combination of optimism and caution.
    They believe they’ve done their homework and the new project has a very good chance of success. But there is also an element of uncertainty because there are so many factors outside their control that could ultimately decide whether a new project succeeds or fails.
    This is the sixth issue of Elkhart County Living, the culmination of our fledgling magazine’s first year of existence. It was just an idea at this time last year and when our first issue debuted last October we were confident but nervous. Now, six issues later we are delighted to proclaim Elkhart County Living an unqualified success.
    Perhaps the most critical standard by which we measure our success is reader acceptance, and from the very beginning, readers have gone out of their way to tell us how much they enjoy the magazine. My thanks go out to all the readers who have stopped by, written or called to tell us what features they like and how much they look forward to the next issue.
    Our readers would probably be amazed at the amount of effort that goes in to creating each issue of the magazine, and my thanks also go out to the person most responsible for that, Editor Monica Joseph. She would be the first to tell you how much help she gets from the writers and photographers and editors in creating a unique edition every other month, and I thank them as well.
    And finally, I’d like to thank the advertisers who have supported the magazine from the beginning. The 12 who have run ads in every issue are Goshen Buick/Hyundai, American Countryside Farmers Market, Troyer Carpet, Bernina Sewing Center, Stoney Acres Woodworking, Sorg Jewelers, Brad Beer/A Progressive Realty, Ace Floral and Gift Shop, Wana Cabinet, Bill’s Collision Service, Custom Steel Design, and Remax Realty.
    This issue of Elkhart County Living is full of the diverse and interesting content our readers and advertisers have come to expect.
    Our cover story is on pampered pets and the people who pamper them. I was particularly taken with our cover photo of Sara Mundy and her dog Murphy. Some dogs seem a little embarrassed to be dressed in human clothing, but Murphy wears his denim jacket with a casual nonchalance I find most appealing.
    You’ll also find what’s new in the world of All-Terrain Vehicles, designer handbags, knitting trends, and a listing of local farmers’ markets in Ronda DeCaire’s “Living Green” column.
    Thanks again to all our readers, advertisers and hard-working staff who have made Elkhart County Living a success. It is here to stay and we look forward to its future with unbounded optimism.
   
    Jim Kroemer, publisher