Ernst Eggelaar, Managing Director, Microtronic GmbH

As we open the APEX Show today in San Diego, our business outlook at Juki is bright but our hearts are heavy. As you have read in the adjacent column, our colleague Steve Nadeau is leaving us to concentrate on his fight against MS.

Since 1987, Steve has been a big part of our success. He started as the Product Manager for the first Juki SMT machine, the PlaceMat, a compact entry-level system. He then moved into applications work, followed by a move to sales in 1992. He became our National Sales Manager about two years ago, and has played a major role in Juki's leading market position in the Americas. In the last 25 years he has not just been my co-worker, he is also a good friend.

In late 2000, Steve informed me of his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. He preferred to keep it a private matter so only two of us at the company knew of his condition. In the years since he was able to manage his condition with therapy, exercise, and medications. He rarely missed any business function or travel. One other thing Impressed me greatly, there was no complaining, no "why me" in all of the last 13 years. As a result, the MS tended to be forgotten in the busy day to day activities of our industry

Three weeks ago Steve met with me, and gave me the bad news that his condition has worsened, and he needed an indefinite time away from business to deal with it. As a result, Steve has left us for now. We ask God's Blessings for him and his wife Margaret as he strives to improve his condition so he can return to work side by side with his colleagues again.

At this APEX, Juki will be accepting donations for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at our booth. We will match all money donated dollar for dollar during the show. Any contribution, large or small will be deeply appreciated. In addition, Juki Automation Systems will be making a donation to the MS Society for each machine we sell in 2013.

A New Year has begun, and APEX begins today. We at Juki have our jobs to do. Steve starts his task to push back MS and return to a job and industry he loves. Knowing him so long, and how strong his resolve is, I won't be surprised on the day when he comes back through our door.