very once in a while something newsworthy happens at The Green Sheet Inc., and we get to report on ourselves for a change. In 2004, we had plenty of opportunities to do just that: Paul Green received The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Midwest Acquirers' Association in July. And The Green Sheet's print and electronic publications received five Awards of Excellence and one Grand Award in the APEX awards program. But the big news around our office in December was Julie O'Ryan's promotion to President and Editor in Chief; she will take the reins from Paul in running The Green Sheet Inc.'s publications and projects. Julie's tenure at The Green Sheet includes 11 years working with Paul and growing the publication from a two- to four-page "sales newsletter" produced on a photocopier to the highly respected, semi-monthly, 112- to 120-page magazine it is today.

One of Julie's key strengths is her ability to foster relationships. For example, The Green Sheet now features monthly articles contributed by well-known names in payments, providing readers with expanded information and viewpoints. "From so many years of working closely together, I have come to appreciate her as a most dependable team player," Paul said.

"Her good judgment and mature outlook ensure a logical and practical approach to her endeavors. "During the years that I have worked with Julie, I have depended on her to assist me in the opening of several new businesses along the way. On more than one occasion, she helped to foster a business idea, research and champion the fund raising and start-up phase of one of our new business ideas. "After more than 20 years as the company's President, I am pleased to have Julie take the lead role in the day-to-day operations of The Green Sheet.

"As the company's Publisher and Founder, I am confident that Julie can find new and even better ways for the company to serve the needs of the merchant level salesperson," he said.