It’s hard to believe that two years ago we were celebrating the launch of Central Florida Media Group’s first publication, Central Florida Ag News. The last twelve months have been a great endeavor.
One of my favorite editions was the Annual Ag in Art Showcase, which will be coming again this year, because it reflects what is truly beautiful about rural Florida. I also especially enjoyed the December 2011 edition, where we were one of the first media engines to draw a detailed picture of the intricate “Farm to School Process and Other Memorable Programs of 2011.” Last, but certainly not least, the April 2012 edition holds a special place in my heart, not only because it celebrates the Southern lifestyle of our agriculture community, but also because it depicts the struggles that Florida’s early pioneers had to face and their old cracker houses, which still stand today — like the one featured on the edition’s cover — as a testament to overcoming those struggles. These houses stand as a reminder of the sacrifices our forefathers made.
Other ways we’ve grown is with our quality of content. In addition to our relentless pursuit of a great story, we’ve been honored to have Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam as a monthly contributing writer. In addition, we have other industry experts submitting columns to give you valuable insights on relevant agriculture topics.
All the while, though, Central Florida Media Group (CFMG) has been growing right along with its flagship publication. CFMG currently publishes five other magazines besides our beloved CFAN. We also offer digital social networking services for businesses through My Social Media Editor. So we’re not just remembering the birth of a magazine, we’re celebrating the starting point of a company on a mission to help change the region for the better. Our motto at CFMG is “Social responsibility is what we’re all about.” Every publication, service, and team member reflects this mission.
I’d like to take a moment to thank the wonderful CFMG team and all of our contributing experts for helping make CFAN the great publication it is today. I must also thank the Polk County Farm Bureau and its board of directors for their endorsement of CFAN and their active involvement in the ag community.
I would be truly remiss if I didn’t thank my family for supporting this start-up venture in the midst of a national recession, which Florida was ground zero for, the likes of which has not been seen in over 50 years. It is a special accomplishment to be able to say we’re succeeding amidst local, state and federal economic struggles.
To our advertisers, we extend a big “thank you” for their patronage. Most of the advertisers you see in today’s edition have been with us since day one. They make it all work and their business is much appreciated, for certainly without them, the publication would not be possible. We look forward to keeping them in front of a key audience!
Lastly, to our readers, farmers, ranchers, and ag industry professionals: We appreciate your loyalty and we pledge to keep the tradition of agriculture alive and thriving in the pages of Central Florida Ag News.
CREDIT
column by NELSON KIRKLAND
Nelson Kirkland is publisher of Central Florida Ag News. He may be reached by e-mail at nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com.
