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Shopping Centers Today -> November 1999
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Rowland, group publisher, heads for back nine
Ellis Rowland flanked by publishers
Jay Starr (left) and Fred Filer. |
In October 1995, he was named staff vice president. In January 1996, he was named staff vice president, marketing & publishing services/publisher of SCT. As such, he was responsible for National and Regional Deal Makings, Trade Expos, Publications, ICSC Online and Internet programs, print production and marketing, as well as all aspects of the publishing of SCT.
With ICSC's acquisition of Value Retail News in February 1996, Rowland was named group publisher, overseeing both VRN and SCT. As he was traveling regularly between SCT's New York base and VRN's home in Tampa, Fla., Rowland chose to give up his conference responsibilities to focus exclusively on publishing.
"It's been a great ride and I'm thankful to John Riordan for the opportunities and responsibilities I've had at ICSC. I've had wonderful experiences and met many interesting industry people from all over the world. It has truly been a pleasure working with and associating with the talented and dedicated members of our staff. Finally, I've been blessed with the constant support of my wife Suzee. Whatever I've accomplished could not have been without her,'' Rowland said.
Rowland was feted at a luncheon attended by ICSC senior staff on Sept. 21, followed by a dinner attended by SCT staff on Sept. 22. Following are comments from some ICSC staff on Rowland's achievements:
John Riordan, ICSC president: "Ellis Rowland's most important contribution to ICSC was to expand and improve Shopping Centers Today, to reorient its advertising from an essentially developer focus to one that embraced suppliers and service contractors. He also added classifieds and, while doing this, recruited, trained and motivated an excellent sales and marketing staff that is fully qualified to carry on, while working closely with our fine editorial people, after he leaves. He is a big man and he's done a big job."
Mark J. Schoifet, ICSC editorial director, editor of SCT, 1988-1992: "Ellis was a publisher who understood the importance of editorial integrity. It's something he learned at Lebhar-Friedman, where we both used to work. He never once let advertising dictate editorial coverage, and he never interfered with the editing process, although I'm sure there were times he wanted to kill me."
Debra Hazel, current SCT editor: "I first met Ellis when we both served at Lebhar-Friedman in 1987, but I really didn't get to know him well until he moved over to SCT. He became the best of competitors — fair, friendly, respectful of our common goals of providing the best information to the industry. When he brought me to SCT two years ago, I came to appreciate his respect for editorial quality, and the independence of editorial, even more. I'll miss the joking about old friends both inside the industry and publishing — though I suspect that I'll be spending far less money restocking the candy dish in my office!"
Linda Humphers, editor VRN: "I believe everybody on our staff learned a lot from Ellis, from the nuts and bolts of publishing to what makes ICSC tick. Remember, VRN wasn't acquired by ICSC until 1996, and the transition from entrepreneurial company to an association-owned entity took some twists and turns. Ellis was a wonderful stabilizer for us. He dispelled fears with honest answers, good humor and practicality. And he went to bat for us when we needed him. And I won't forget that while he was publisher, VRN won three writing awards — more than we'd ever won in a single year. I'd also like to say something about his sense of humor: While he routinely landed softball zingers on other people, he cackled loudest when they were aimed at him. But at conventions and during budget times, he was all business.''
Jay Starr, ICSC staff vice
president/SCT publisher: "My first week at ICSC, I walked into
Ellis' office and told him I disagreed with him on an issue. His response
was typical Ellis — 'How long have you been working here not including
tomorrow?' I then asked him if was possible he was wrong. He stated, 'I
thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.' I will miss Ellis on a
professional level, and more importantly, on a personal level. I appreciated
the education at home and the companionship while traveling to many meetings.
I just wish he chose less seafood restaurants.
To
Ellis, may all your drives be incredibly long and your putts exceptionally
short. Enjoy."
Fred Filer, ICSC staff vice
president/publisher, VRN:
"I've known Ellis for 22 years since 1977 when I started at LF. He has
always been a good friend; one I truly enjoy being around. I've often
said, 'If I were a stand-up comic Ellis would be the first person I'd
invite to my show.' He's got a great sense of humor and uses laughter
the way a doctor uses medicine. It just makes you feel good. Of course,
on the down side, the man knows absolutely nothing about football.
He's a friend."
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