Another year is almost complete and I think it’s inventory time. I am truly thankful for a long list. And as the syrup maker said to his kids just before tapping a maple tree, “Watch out…this could get sappy.” It’s about The Partner Channel.

First off, because it’s recent, The Partner Channel had a great event in Fargo this year. I personally love to see Partners in Fargo. They are a force of nature. The Event had great content, and people went home jazzed.

We just published our 23^rd edition of The Partner Channel Magazine. Still bringing you views you can use. My gratitude to all the contributors and the advertisers; hats off to you.

The List continues to grow and do its job of representing the skills and services of a huge group of ISVs and service providers. We had comments at Convergence from customers that The List is the first place they go for ISV products. That makes us feel great.

The Virtual Expo continues to grow, and we will be offering some new features and perks to our advertisers and expo exhibitors. Our newsletter and Web site bring the updates while they’re fresh and relevant, and our Member calls continue to be well received.

As I list these accomplishments, it should become really obvious that much talent is necessary to continuously produce these best-of-class, industry-leading products that have become the standard of The Partner Channel.

So that brings me to the crew that gets it all done. Wow. Am I thankful for this bunch? You bet. Words fall short, and because I am your average non-verbal male, I don’t tell them enough. Thank you.

Jenny leads the charge on content and project management across the board. She works tirelessly, and damn…I don’t know where she gets the energy that continuously feeds the passion she has.

Jane is constantly advocating for our Partners and making sure that they are being attended to, and I simply think that many times Jane is the spiritual Partner guide for all things Dynamics. There isn’t a week that goes by when even Microsoft dudes don’t call and ask for her perspective.

Although Jasmine already has a couple of years in this game, she is still the newest member to the team. Our growth of membership – and the fact that the magazine gets to you – tells you that Jasmine is on the job making sure that your data is up to date…plus a whole lot more when it comes to The Event and other projects.

We will lose Brianne Carlsrud, our intern, as she is graduating and wants to escape the chilly climes of Fargo. Makes no sense to me, but I digress. As smart as she is, she has one of those attitudes that will serve any employer well. If she ever shows up on your radar, call me for a reference. A winner.

And Judy and Dawn, who make sure the bills go out. While that may not be the most important thing to you, I love them for it.

While the whole team has their specialties, they constantly do whatever it takes to get the whole thing done. Heck, Jane even had the vacuum cleaner out this morning. That’s usually my job. Okay; not so much. But with Jane and all, whatever it takes. Pretty cool.

Me. Lucky guy. Start a venture like The Partner Channel. No clear business plan, just a feeling that Partners needed some help continuing to build and support their community. What could we do? My old partner Norm Robinson and I start this thing up, and before we know it, all this talent shows up and literally makes it happen.

We are now almost seven years in, and it’s way beyond the mere reality stage. I like to think we are truly a part of your world. You keep telling us that we are. I would put our Partner knowledge and experience up against any group that exists out there. My team knows Partners. Really knows them.

A few months ago I was sitting in a meeting with the team, and I suddenly realized what many a quarterback comes to understand too late. It’s time to move over and make room for someone else. It was very clear that these guys – my team – had TPC rolling along like a well-charged Prius. Efficiently and smoothly. I really decided then and there that I will be making a move after the first of the year. Handing over the reins, passing the ball, passing the baton, signing over the farm, transferring the title, passing the crown. Everything short of walking off into the sunset. Pick your cliché.

I will be leaving The Partner Channel to focus on Spider and Company, our sister company. The creative services side is what brought me to the dance years ago. and I want get back to it for a while.

Most of you won’t really notice a difference since I haven’t been doing much heavy lifting for a while now. Jenny Davis will officially be named to lead the group as it moves forward, and with that you can rest assured that the quality won’t change nor will the passion let up. Jane Olson will continue to lead the Partner relations side along with Jasmine McNellis, so the direct line to company services will still be there as will the trusted advice. Some subtle changes are likely to happen. Since the way I have run the business to date has been perfect, what could new management possibly do to improve on it? That’s a joke, kids.

Anyway, I am excited about doing even less work. I am excited to watch what the new and improved version of TPC looks like.

Thanks to all of you, the Partners, for making this happen so far. It would NOT be The Partner Channel without you. Hey…look what we have accomplished together.

I ask that you give The Partner Channel team your continued support. They have much planned for TPC 2.0!

That’s what I was saying… a lot to be thankful for.

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