When I considered joining The Cannata Report after having worked in consumer publishing for many years, I set off on a fact-finding mission to learn about all the industry encompasses. Once I did my homework on the innovative technologies propelling growth and change, and after I met a slew of talented executives who were leading the industry’s evolution, I realized there were boundless opportunities for The Cannata Report to grow and expand along with the channel.
My mission from day one was to enhance our editorial foundation through a broader lens to document the industry’s evolution and spotlight changemakers who deserved exposure and recognition. I created our Women Influencers editorial franchise to showcase and celebrate dynamic female executives making tremendous contributions to the advancement of the industry. How our Women Influencers issue and Annual Brunch have developed into hallmarks of our brand is beyond anything we had envisioned.
We are grateful for the overwhelming support in helping us create a platform and generate meaningful dialogue in support of diversity and inclusion in the industry through our Women Influencers and our Young Influencers. I hope our Influencer editorial franchises have dispelled myths about the industry, provided deserving recognition, and inspired our audience.
Additional inspiration for creating our Women Influencers franchise came from my mother, Carol C. Cannata, who I see as The Cannata Report’s original Women Influencer. I’m in awe of Carol for a million reasons, but what stands out the most is her boldness, exemplified when she left home in suburban Massachusetts in the 1960s to follow her dream of making it on her own in the fashion industry in New York City. Carol not only made it, but she flourished.
So, I see the Women Influencers celebrating Carol and all women like her who forged a path. Carol’s verve, passion and creative flair have helped propel the Women Influencers editorial franchise these past ten years, and it’s my honor every day to work with her. How lucky am I to have two amazing role models like Carol and Frank.
It’s a thrill to commemorate the tenth anniversary of our Women Influencers franchise with three female dealers whose visionary leadership is innovative and inspiring. Chelsey Bode of Pearson-Kelly Technology, Melissa Confalone of Fraser Advanced Information Systems, and Liz Sumner of SumnerOne each have unique stories to share that set them apart. What they have in common is strategic directions for their dealerships rooted in the power of employee engagement and collaboration, client relationships defined by a partnership mindset, and progressive core values focused on sustainable success. They wow me. I’m sure they will you too.
I couldn’t be prouder of this issue. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on photography-driven editorial projects for global publishing companies that involved large teams of creative directors, producers, photographers, and location crews, complete with sound and lighting technicians, security personnel, hair and makeup artists, etc. What we accomplished in this issue with a small team of dedicated creative talents is among the best editorial productions I’ve worked on.
I am indebted to Matt Stauble, our chief photographer, for his spontaneous boundary-pushing set-ups, guerrilla street shots, and his enormous talent and can-do-anything attitude, and to videographer Mike Rhodes, who, like Matt, can make anything happen.
Huge thanks to Doreen Borghoff, our designer, who makes the issue better every year with captivating and fresh layouts – and to Cathy O’Brien, our executive marketing director, who produced the still and video portions of the shoot and who takes the lead on video post-production. Finally, I want to thank Sharon Tosto Esker for her skilled writing talents that have made every Women Influencers’ cover story these past ten years engaging and unique.
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