Splitting the Seams

Our April issue is one of the largest monthly issues in Florida Trend history — so large that staples alone would not hold it together. Due to its sheer size, we had to work with our printer to change the bindery process, having them “perfect bind” the magazine, as opposed to our usual method of “saddle stitching” (stapling) it together. A big thank you goes out to Jill South, our production director, who worked tirelessly to make sure this extra-large issue of Florida Trend came together seamlessly.

I guarantee this edition will keep you engaged and wanting to come back for more. Our cover story, “From Bedside to C-Suite” (p. 44), by Associate Editor Mike Brassfield, takes a close look at hospital leaders across the state who leveraged their clinical backgrounds in nursing to help them climb the corporate ladder within their institutions to tackle some of the big challenges facing health care today.

This month’s Economic Backbone examines Florida’s financial marketplace, with a report touching on a new bankruptcy filing option that has eased the Chapter 11 process for small businesses. We also talked with Alex Sanchez, the recently retired, long-time CEO of the Florida Bankers Association, who reflected on his three decades at the organization — while his successor, Kathy Kraninger, shared her agenda for the association. Additionally, within the section, we spoke with members of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville branch board who provide local insights to help the Fed set monetary policy.

The April issue also includes a detailed look at the Orlando Museum of Art in “Frame of Reference” (p. 78) by Associate Editor Michael Fechter. Given the recent challenges the museum has faced, we examine whether it will be able to restore its reputation and return to financial stability.

As you continue your way through this month’s issue, you’ll not want to miss our annual Florida Education Guide (p. 103). This annual section (stretching 84 pages in length) allows readers to compare many of Florida’s institutions of higher learning. This year, 37 colleges and universities participated in the guide, providing a treasure trove of information about their schools — everything from acceptance, enrollment and retention rates to details about their faculty, research, campuses, student life and so much more. It is an incredible resource for seeing how Florida’s post-secondary education options stack up.

Rounding out the April issue is our custom content feature on downtown Winter Haven (p. 86). As it grows, the once sleepy historic area is sprouting new places to work, live, play and visit. The “cool” vibe in Winter Haven’s reenergized downtown demonstrates what’s possible when opportunity, a vision and collaborative teamwork collide.

I know that once you start, you will not be able to put this month’s issue down. I want to thank our staff for all the hard work they put into delivering such a tremendous issue, our advertisers and partners for their continued support and commitment — and you, our readers, for your loyalty, trust and faithfulness in our editorial mission.

— David G. Denor, Publisher ddenor@floridatrend.com

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