Fabtech Chicago

This is 7:th time when I am writing Editors Page for the Christmas time. Usually I have found this moment very nice and peaceful. This year I feel somehow different. Of course Christmas time gives this feeling - love and care. Santa, Elfs and reindeers. All that fun. But this year I am concerned about things around us more than ever before. World is not peaceful place at all even if most of us hopes so. We have experienced tragedy after another during this year. US-Terrorist attach, Afganistan, Israel and Palestine...you just name more. I an just so tired to listen all those explanations why all those are saying "I am right - you are wrong". So tired. Why cannot they change it - "I believe in this idea, but I respect do yours, so let's share the playground and have fun together". But I am just simple man looking from distance what is happening so who cares what I say. In all of those cases, it is not the fault of the most simple man or woman who lives in those areas. So should I point my finger to the leaders then? Bad leaders? Taleban was bad, now it is easy to say because majority accepts that. But Palestine and Israel thing is far too complicated to explain. It is not the fault of the ordinary citizen

I am not able to say who is right or who is wrong, so I say nothing. But I just want to rice a questions: Why cannot we live in peace? Have we not learned anything from the history? Are we stupid? Well. What can I say. The economy already started to slow in the US well before September 11:th terrorist attach but It was the final thing that really halted USA - including Tube Industry. Yes, I was at Fabtech and I saw that all the Exhibitors were there but not too much visitors. Actually the number of exhibitors went down some 11% (850) and visitors 36% (19,627) less compared to year 1999. The good thing was that the visitors who actually came there were serious buyers. It is obvious that companies were saving money and let only key persons to visit Fabtech. If before companies let 10-20 employees to go Fabtech, now perhaps 3-5. This can be seen also from positive angle. Having only decision makers around, you can use your time more effectively.

Another note for me was that European Tube Machine manufacturers were widely attending Fabtech. This was not the case two or four years ago. In my mind, this strenghtens Fabtech position as the "Tube USA" show.

I decided not to carry out any exhibitor survey like I normally do because it is so clear that this year is going to be different. Instead, I really look forward for Fabtech in Cleveland next year. It is scheduled for October 29-31, 2002. I heard from the organizers that the sales of Cleveland's booth area has been going well. When making this report, over 180,000 square feet reserved, by 364 companies.

Atlanta Marathon

The last thing I am telling you this time is pretty much personal and proud thing for me. One week after Fabtech Chicago I managed to run Atlanta Marathon. 26.2 Miles (42.1 km) and the time was 4 hours 26 minutes and 56 seconds. The reason why I am very happy about it is because it was my first marathon ever. The results can be seen from http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/at03026.htm. The story goes like this:"Beer loving Tube man runs a marathon".

Cheers and let's run!
Juha Haapala