The building stands empty, and for the first time since late 1994, 330 University Hall Drive, Boone, NC 28607, is no longer the address of Singing News Magazine.

I remember the first day I saw that building. On a Saturday in the summer of 1995, my family and I drove to Boone from our home near Asheville for a meeting with Jerry Kirksey and Maurice Templeton. It was on that day we finalized the details of an agreement for me to join the Singing News staff.

When we arrived, Jerry and Maurice were in an intense business meeting: Jerry was sitting on a rock wall while Maurice was putting on the nine-hole putting green that was in front of the office.

And with that, a long stream of memories began.

There have been many talented people walk through the doors of that office. And, in their own way, they all contributed to the success of a magazine that is working on its 42nd year. In future diary entries, I'll try to keep you updated on what's happening in their lives "post-Singing News."

As July 2010 begins, Singing News will be headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. My new role as Editor-In-Chief begins and ol' Les Butler has got his hands full as Executive Brand Manager—Southern Gospel Properties. But there are some other familiar people on board as the next issue heads to the presses.

Dawne Shew and Allyson Lyons will be staying on as graphic designers. With 12 and 10 years, respectively, of Singing News experience, we're looking forward to seeing what their creative minds will bring to the table.

Pam Slaney, who's been with Singing News for almost 16 years, will still be handling much of the advertising for the magazine and web site. Pam probably knows every group and company out there better than most people, so her experience is invaluable.

Some new—yet familiar faces—are coming on board as well. Rick Francis, whom many of you may remember from his days with the McKameys, Naomi & the Segos, the Mid South Boys and, of course, his stint as Associate Publisher of the Gospel Voice magazine several years ago, joins Singing News as "Project Director - Radio & Artists."

Adam Borden joins Singing News (and the Solid Gospel Radio Network and the Solid Gospel flagship station in Nashville - Solid Gospel 105 FM), working in a marketing consultant role. Yes, that's the same Adam Borden who spent time playing bass for the Singing Ambassadors and Gold City—it was during his 10 years with the Band of Gold that most people became acquainted with Adam. For the past five years or so, Adam has worked with Brentwood Benson Music Publishing.

Brent Randall is new to the Singing News team, but not Salem Communications (the parent company of Singing News). He is taking on the role of the Online Editor and will be working to develop the Singing News web site as the Internet continues to grow every day. Brent has been working with the Solid Gospel Network in various capacities since 2005.

The people I've just written about make up the "core" of today's Singing News. They are proven individuals who are committed to helping guide Singing News for many years to come.

We are excited to have them along for the journey.