This week's issue marks the first time since Plastics News was founded in 1989 without a Rich Williams cartoon on the editorial page.
Rich retired last month, writing: "I really enjoy doing the cartoons and could keep going … but we're all living on borrowed time, and I have so many other things to do, places to see, projects to finish, a family to torment, putts to sink. The time is right."
So with this issue, we're introducing readers to Leo Michael. He's a native of Fairlawn, Ohio, who has been a freelance cartoonist since graduating from the University of Akron.
He's been contributing to Crain publications since 1995, starting with the launch of Waste News (later Waste & Recycling News). He currently draws cartoons for Automotive News, Rubber News, Tire Business and now Plastics News — all are Crain publications.
Over the years, he's also drawn for publications covering various industries such as cable and telecommunications and propane, among others.
Leo lives in West Akron, Ohio, with his wife, Beth, and they are the proud parents of four sons.
I've already heard from many readers who have passed along their best wishes to Rich in his retirement, and he appreciates all of your comments! I expect you'll quickly come to enjoy Leo's cartoons, too. Let us know what you think!
Don Loepp is the editor of Plastics News and author of The Plastics Blog.