This is the first issue of Quirk's Marketing Research Review, a new business magazine reach­ing the people who count — the buyers and sellers of marketing research prod­ucts and services. We're one-of-a-kind; no other publication currently exists which speaks specifically to those who need and buy marketing research ser­vices. To those who sell these services, Quirk's Marketing Research Review provides the perfect vehicle for com­municating with the buyer. In serving as a link and connection between you, the buyers and sellers, Quirk's Market­ing Research Review will provide infor­mation you can use and find answers to questions you need to answer.

Our link to you as a reader is critical. Companies that provide a product or service need information that will help them sell it more effectively to the con­sumer. The market research seller can supply these people—the buyers—with that important data by utilizing a wide range of research techniques. Whether it's a simple questionnaire dis­tributed direct mail to 1000 respondents in a five-state area, or a total research "package" of personal in-depth inter­views, focus groups, data processing and analysis, a seller can provide the "tools" needed which will help the buyer make decisions and pave a course of action.

Quirk's Marketing Research Review won't confuse you with technical jar­gon to accomplish this link. We'll re­port articles in a feature-oriented but objective manner, all of which will be written and edited by our own in-house staff.

In each of the eight issues to be pub­lished in 1987, we'll feature regular columns. The "Helpful Hints" column will provide insights and advice from trade experts on a different subject ad­dressed in each issue. We'll keep tabs on the promotions and new assignments of people active in marketing research, as well as the companies that are merging, expanding or entering the market­ing research field. The "Product and Service Update" will describe what's new in the marketplace and what it can do for you. Finally, case histories will explore problem-solving techniques and methodologies used in marketing research. We'll explain why they work or don't work. Comments from those who have used these methodologies and suggestions for those considering them will give you the straight facts from people who know. Through our editorial content, we will strive to de­liver a publication which fits your infor­mational needs.

Who are the people prepared to de­liver this editorial package to you? The publisher is Tom Quirk, whose back­ground in research and publishing goes back 25 years. Until early this year, Quirk was president of Rockwood Re­search, Inc., St. Paul , a marketing re­search company which he established in 1983. In 1984, Rockwood Research was sold to Farm Journal, Inc., Philadelphia , the nation's largest pub­lisher of farm magazines and Quirk re­mained the Rockwood chief executive until early this year. Prior to starting Rockwood Research, Quirk had been senior vice president of marketing and sales for Miller Publishing Co., Minneapolis , joining that company as director of research. From 1973 to 1981, Quirk was Miller's vice president of corporate development, during which time the company's trade show division was initialed, with Quirk as its first president.

Emmet J. Hoffman. who will serve as the magazine's editorial advisor is presently a business counselor and comes from a background of 40 years as an editor and publisher of weekly, daily and monthly news and business publications. F. Keith Hunt has extensive background in graphics, writing and advertising magazine production. Typographical direction is provided by Robert Truhlar, also a long time printing trades superintendent. The magazine format was designed by a professional magazine art designer. The experience represented by the above support serif is well over 100 years and assures us that as we grow, our service to you will also grow.

To be managing editor and part of the "birth" of Quirk's Marketing Re­search Review is an opportunity which I consider exciting and a tremendous challenge. I'm eagerly looking forward to working with a highly qualified staff but more importantly, it is a great privilege to communicate with you—the reader.

To you, the reader, welcome! I'm looking forward to meeting you in per­son in the months ahead. I'd like to hear from you, too. Please call or write us with your opinions and suggestions. Make this an opportunity for us to serve you—the reader—better.