UPFRONT with Gary Corns

Twenty years ago, when I first started out as a magazine designer, I began to think that the area where I have grown up and have lived most of my life – the border region of central Virginia and North Carolina – was missing the kind of positive, pro-economic development, business magazine that other communities had. I envisioned a magazine addressing issues in Danville, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Martinsville, Reidsville, Stoneville and Stuart, the area roughly defined by Routes 29, 220 and 58, communities that share much in common, economically. It would be a magazine that would tell the story of the positive business and economic development activities across our communities. Early this year, the timing seemed right – for the magazine and, I believe, for the area. The magazine would require a new business model, made possible by digital technology – just three or four highly-skilled entrepreneurial people working together remotely across the region – people who had a passion for the area and for their work. This year, the team came together. So, with faith in the original idea, hoping that we are equal to this vision, we are launching, Piedmont Magazine. It is a magazine for business people, policymakers, businesses considering our area and civic-minded citizens everywhere in our region. We want you, our readers, to help it become a tool we can all be proud of—a forum that will help to synthesize some of the positive energy that is lifting our communities toward a dynamic 21st century future we are all building – together!

Gary CornsPUBLISHER