Thanks for a Job Well Done By Rob Buksar | I’ve had a reason- ably long and seldom dull affiliation with the Exchange. Ralph Albares gets the credit for the paper’s concep- tion, but Polly Shea deserves the “‘silver star” for the ERE’s survival. The industry as Ralph knew it was in its heyday. It seems once he passed away the rebuilding industry also took a big negative turn. If you think keeping a small trade publication going in a sour- ing market is any easier than keeping a shop afloat, you’re wrong. Like the rest of us, Polly has had her share of tense moments. Nevertheless, this kind-hearted, dedicated and incredibly hard-working gal (who I kindly think of as Wonder Woman) has survived another year and the paper is better than ever. Our industry is unique in the sense that, compared to others, we are discon- nected and splintered. None of us attended the same college or graduated with the same rebuilding degree (because it doesn’t exist). Rebuilders have no alumni affiliation. Almost all the factors present in other disciplines do not exist in ours. Without the Exchange there would be little, if any- thing, to connect us. We would lack a medium for new ideas. You don’t realize how much you look forward to and count on the ERE until the mailman screws up and fails to deliver it. At this point the “have-nots” are calling around to their friends ask- ing if they received their copy. In a dif- ferent kind of way, it’s nice testimony to a job well done! Many don’t appreciate the paper’s commitment to free, unbiased press. I have never known the ERE to yield under the financial pressure from pow- erful advertisers. Further, we live in the day when journalism has become an exercise in political correctness. Yet I have always known the paper to be honest and forthright with it’s presen- tations. To my knowledge Polly has printed all sides of an issue regardless of how unpopular and financially risky it may have been to her personally. Thank you for another great year. I am confident that all who have contact with the ERE and Polly wish for con- tinued success and are thankful for a wonderful past. Continue to march— keep on keeping on—and may God continue to bless your efforts. Rob Buksar is owner of Hoosier Electric Co., Gary, Ind.