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  • Introduction
  • Robert Brinkmann and Graham A. Tobin

Last year saw the completion of the first fifty years of the Southeastern Geographer; a celebration of research that has transcended generations. Volume 51 begins a new era, our next fifty years. Now published quarterly, the Southeastern Geographer has expanded over the years while maintaining its reputation for high quality scholarship. A regional perspective remains a core principle of the journal, but we are also reaching out for a global perspective. Abstracts are now published in Spanish, and papers often address issues of international concern. We find that this is indicative of the dynamic and evolving nature of geography in the south-east.

This issue (volume 51:1) highlights the theme of Economic Geography. The late Dr. James Wheeler, a former editor of The Southeastern Geographer, has collected a group of papers written by talented SEDAAG authors that we publish here under the heading, "Economic Geography in the South." While the south is the regional focus of these papers, you will find many issues are placed in a broader context, reflecting the trends of globalization. Indeed, the five papers provide an interesting dialogue on some of the pertinent economic issues emerging in our region. Susan M. Walcott discusses globalization in the furniture industry; Ron L. Mitchelson and Derek H. Alderman represent Charlotte as a center of NASCAR; William Graves presents research on Entrepreneurial Finance in Southern Culture; Keith G. Debbage and Jacob F. Kidd look at issues of renewable energy in North Carolina; and Qingfang Wang examines African American and Hispanic Self-Employment trends in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. As whole, the collection raises questions over the economic and cultural milieu of the south and its role in the global economy. We hope it stimulates debate and leads to further academic investigations. We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim's recent passing. Yet, we are pleased to have worked with him in developing the papers for this issue. We believe that this set of strong papers provides a fitting tribute to a rich and productive career.

Following this collection, five other papers are presented focusing on a diversity of topics. Case Watkins assesses socio-spatial change in New Orleans; Justin T Maxwell and Peter Soulé examine population change in rural counties; Joni Bugden and her colleagues map river cane habitat in North Carolina; James Baginski and Thomas Bell analyze trends in craft brewing the our region; and Toni Alexander discusses the 1930's migrant experience in California. Again, these are thought provoking papers that should promulgate further research.

In the coming year, two other special issues have been planned (Volume 51:2 and 51:4) as well as one additional regular issue (Volume 51:3). The first special issue examines immigration issues in the South and is guest edited by Altha Cravey and Gabriela Valdivia. The title of the special [End Page 1] issue is "Carolina del Norte: Geographies of Latinization in the South." The second special issue is titled "Innovations in Southern Studies" and is guest edited by William Graves and Derek Alderman. Authors and guest editors such as these make The Southeastern Geographer the quality periodical that it is today.

As usual, we thank the SEDAAG leadership and all of the reviewers, authors, board members, and SEDAAG members for their support. [End Page 2]

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