S Y 
 
 
 
 

JOURNAL OF SMALL BUSINESS 

TRATEG 
 

A Special Farewell From the Editor 

It is a great pleasure to conclude my role as Editor of the Journal of Small Business 
Strategy, knowing that JSBS, under Bradley University, has delivered new 
knowledge to better understand the evolving entrepreneurship and small business 
discipline. Indeed, in recent years we have transitioned from a "field" to a 
"discipline" as seen by leading scholars in this domain. It is fully documented 
today that small and new enterprises drive economies around the world, and this 
importance cannot be underestimated. I have seen an exciting evolution in my 40 
years from a few researchers struggling to conceptually and empirically shed light-- 
to hundreds if not thousands today. Collectively we have made a difference. It is left 
to the young scholars today to continue to focus on important research questions, 
and not waste our intellectual capital on issues of marginal impact. 

 
A special thanks goes to previous Editors here at Bradley, including Dr. Fred Fry, 
Dr. Paul Stephens, and Dr. Ross Fink. I worked intensely to make the issues current 
and a special issue by Dianne Welsh was a major contribution. Of great importance, 
Jim Foley served as Managing Editor, and with several talented students made a 
huge contribution to the overall publishing of the issues. He did a remarkable job 
leading the myriad of activities, with support from Jennie Hale at the Turner Center 
for Entrepreneurship, and our graduate assistant, Miao Ren. 

 
Finally, the organizational home to JSBS, the Small Business Institute, always 
provided high quality encouragement and support. Those leaders are very talented 
and worthy of praise. 

 
The future of JSBS is bright in the changing academic publishing realm. I know 
that JSBS will continue to increase in quality and quantity! And, again, I thank you 
for the opportunity. 

 
 
 
 

Gerry Hills