An Excellent Industry Education [Opinion]
July 31, 2015 
Lauren Alexander
This will be my last column for American Vegetable Grower magazine. I’ve decided to move on to the next phase of my career in sunny Denver, CO. While I look forward to this exciting new chapter in my life, I will miss my time spent here at the Willoughby, OH, office working alongside such wonderful and dedicated co-workers.
However, don’t be surprised when you come across my byline in a future issue — I will continue to be a contributing author for the magazine. They couldn’t get rid of me that easy!
Reflecting back on my time at Meister Media Worldwide, I realize just how much I’ve learned and grown as an editor, and how many great people I’ve met in this industry. Starting out at as content editor for Productores de Hortalizas, American Vegetable Grower’s sister publication with readership in Mexico, I dove in head first and had to learn the ins and outs of an industry I knew very little about.
I remember my first trade show experience in Mexico. Trembling, I walked on the floor, all of the Spanish I’d ever learned completely out the window. “Hello, my name is?” Forget it. I’ve got nothing. Nada.
Names of companies I’d never heard of were cluttering the air, competing for my attention. Syngenta, Seminis, Bejo, Sakata. “Who were these people?” I thought.
And yet, here I am nearly four years later at American Vegetable Grower, having developed strong relationships with many of these key industry players who had so intimidated me.
I must say, working with growers and other industry members has completely changed the way I view food production, not just at a national level, but on a global scale as well. There is so much you do on a daily basis to put food on people’s plates, and your work ethic serves as a great inspiration for me moving forward.
I’ve soaked up so much valuable information throughout my tenure at this magazine — between food safety, GMOs, organic food, local food, and the drought, I don’t think there will ever be a quiet moment on my part at any dinner party, ever.
Having my finger on the pulse of all of these trends has made me a more informed consumer, and has allowed me to have important discussions with people on major issues impacting agriculture. Regardless of where I am, my hope is that I’ll continue to stay abreast of the major forces impacting your industry, and continue to be an advocate.
Furthermore, during my time here, I’ve learned that growers are some of the most down to earth and hospitable people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. For that reason, I’d like to thank you for inviting me into your world, thank you for teaching me, and most of all thank you for being so kind.
I promise to share all of the knowledge I’ve gathered over these last few years at Meister Media Worldwide with whoever is willing to hear me out. It’s the least I can do. Again, thanks for everything, and I promise not to be a stranger.