TCR Celebrates 25 Years by Bernadette Finnerty

It's hard to believe this magazine has been around for 25 years. Having spent the last four and a half years here, I can understand why it was a passion for founding editor Michael Scott, and the pride of Lammot and Deborah Copeland, our publishers. The Copelands are truly the force behind this publication. Back in 1976, they invested in the vision of Michael Scott, and have remained behind the magazine ever since. Without their support, we would not be publishing this 25th anniversary issue.

The Copelands choose to remain somewhat behind-the-scenes, but they are always involved, particularly with regard to the business end of things, from budgeting to billing to subscription fulfillment. As we celebrate our 25th year in business, we extend a special congratulations and our sincere appreciation to them.

For a brief history of the magazine, and its different stages of growth, take a look at "A Cause for Celebration: The Crafts Report Turns 25".

CODA launches landmark economic study
If you're a subscriber to this magazine, you've seen this month's cover wrap. It is the long-awaited CODA Survey, studying the economic impact of crafts in America. As you receive your issue, the survey is also being distributed to 100,000 craftspeople around the country. Most surveys will be mailed to various guild and association mailing lists; but some will be circulated at select craft shows. If you receive more than one, fill it out once and pass on your extra copy to another craft artist. The survey is truly a grass-roots effort, being organized by The Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA), administered by Handmade in America (HIA) and tabulated by the Center for Business Research (CBR) at Appalachian State University.

Any craft artist who does not receive the survey can respond online through The Crafts Report Online at www.craftsreport.com, or by accessing CBR's Web site at www.cbr.appstate.edu

The purpose of this landmark survey is to quantify the amount of money that the sale of handcrafted items contributes to our national economy. Results will be released early next year. Please participate!

Bernadette Finnerty is editor of The Crafts Report.

APRIL 2000: TABLE OF CONTENTS