There is nothing like the special combination of uncertainty and monotony that a pandemic brings to remind us of the importance of recognition.

From frontline workers in healthcare, hospitality, grocery stores and schools to people within this industry and our own companies — folks need and deserve a pat on the back and the encouragement of recognition perhaps now more than ever.

That is why I am so excited to share with you that the FE&S Dealer of the Year and All Industry Awards Gala is on for Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, during The NAFEM Show in Orlando, Fla. Also, we could not in good conscience let the 2020 winners go without their well-earned public recognition. So, two years-worth of winners means double the fun as we celebrate 2020 and 2021 award winners in one grand event.

As we begin the countdown to The NAFEM Show, we are encouraged by the number of winners and sponsors who plan to be in attendance. Our overarching goal is to provide a safe event for our guests in accordance with the latest COVID-19 guidance. Our entire team has been vaccinated and, having just completed a site visit to Orange County, Fla., I can assure you that they are taking COVID-19 precautions very seriously.

While on the topic of recognition, I’d like to give a shout out to our own team at Zoomba Group for the terrific showing in this year’s Azbee Awards, which recognize excellence in business press publications. Our accomplishments are detailed on zoombagroup.com and on page four of this magazine. And a special note to our talented creative director, Anne LoCascio, on her qualification as a finalist in the Jesse H. Neal Awards for best art direction for a cover for the August 2020 issue of FE&S. This cover was created in a special collaboration with her nine-year-old niece, Gigi, and we are all anxiously awaiting the judges’ final determination on June 9.