Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1344682
letter president O ne year ago, I didn't know if my letter to you was going to be my last. Like so many businesses, we were hit hard by the pandemic. When the lockdown occurred and businesses closed, consumer sales ground to a halt, and when spending slows, businesses don't feel much like buying advertising. We simply did not know if we would survive. We buckled down, cut costs, gave back some office space, negotiated with our vendors, and, because of the PPP loan, kept almost all of our staff. At this point in the recovery, we have actually grown our staff levels, both on the digital and marketing teams. This gives me great pride, especially in our team, who powered through, navigating the fragileness and fears due to the illness around them, and are now back, hitting on all cylinders. And, as we announced a few months back, we grew by acquiring the magazines and show guide in Round Top — roundtop.com was part of that. Round Top has become so much more than the three massive antiques and design shows, with restaurants, shops, and events happening year-round. However, when the show is on, it's like the Super Bowl out there, with over a hundred thousand folks showing up. The energy is electric, and in short, it's a blast. Shop. Eat. Drink. People watch. Because it's a mainly outdoor event, with COVID protocols in effect, the fall show was a huge success. Now, the spring show launches, starting March 18, with most venues open by March 25. We've dedicated a lot in this issue to the show because, in part, Round Top is becoming so many folks' home away from home, a simple weekend get away. Come on out and see us in the country. Jim Kastleman President jim@papercitymag.com SIMON GENTRY Jim Kastleman 14