This year has been significant for those I love. In April, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. In June, my husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary. In August, my baby officially became a teenager. And this year, my son is a senior in high school.
Where has the time gone?
For the most part, these milestones are joyful markers of time and progress. Children grow up. Partners grow together. At this moment, our todays are better than our yesterdays.
But it hasn’t been easy. We’ve all had seasons in our life that were hard. We’ve all had sleepless nights, disagreements, worries about the present and the future. Hopefully, the hard days have helped you lean into one another and offer another shoulder to bear the load.
With my family milestones in mind, it was fun to read about Atlanta Attachment Co.’s golden anniversary. In 50 years, this Georgia company has grown from a home basement shop to a major machinery and equipment manufacturer. But the road to where the company is today was far from straight. Atlanta Attachment started with machines for apparel, but the North American Free Trade Agreement put a stop to that singular focus. Domestic factories began to close. As a result, Atlanta Attachment shifted into other realms, including machines for the mattress industry. After the Great Recession, it also expanded its reach. Today, the company has customers in more than 75 countries. That’s what you do when you’re in it for the long haul.
Next month, BedTimes will highlight another company with a special anniversary. HSM, which acquired AAC in 2016, is marking 75 years in business. I’m looking forward to reading that company’s history, as well. It, too, began as a family business, which I always find intriguing. It’s so interesting to see where a company originated and how far it’s come.
Are you part of a company that’s celebrating a milestone in the coming year? Tell us about it. Staying in business over several decades is notable!
Along the same lines, the BedTimes staff is putting together ideas for the 2020 issues. Do you have an article suggestion? Would you like to write a guest column? Do you have a story to share? Let us know. Contact Mary Best, editorial director, at [email protected] or 336-500-3816.
In the meantime, enjoy this transitional time of year. Savor the special markers and milestones in your business, as well as in your personal life. Look at the years as celebrations of progress.
I hope each business and person who has a significant anniversary this year continues on for many more. May your tomorrows be even brighter than today.
