Thank you, six years worth
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As the Valley Journal prepares to celebrate its sixth birthday, I am filled with immense gratitude. We have thrived because you, our readers, advertisers, news contacts, have welcomed us into your daily lives. Although we publish weekly, it takes all six days in between to gather your news and share your stories.
Thank you for being such an integral part of this process and for embracing us and believing in us from day one. It never ceases to amaze me the confidence some businesses showed by signing lengthy contracts with us before we published our first newspaper.
Some of the highlights over the last six years include our jump to all full-color pages, the addition of several special sections, like our summer, winter guide and sports programs, and the fact that we’ve continued to grow during these difficult economic times.
We’ve grown in circulation, staff, news content, advertising, and most importantly, community relationships. We now publish 7,900 newspapers weekly, up from our original 5,000, employ more than twice as many people as we did on day one and have more than doubled our weekly page count thanks to increased news content and advertising. We’ve joined local chambers of commerce, Montana’s Newspaper Association and sponsored various non-profit community events.
Sure, we’ve had growing pains. What new business hasn’t? When we’ve had delivery glitches delaying the arrival of the Valley Journal, our phone lines were never busier. Although I too dislike such delays, the number of concerned readers calling to check on their newspaper’s whereabouts was heartwarming.
No matter what challenges come, some things ring true year in and year out, like how much we enjoy telling your stories, printing your opinions and helping your businesses grow through advertising.
As a free publication, the Valley Journal wouldn’t exist without the advertisements you see on our pages. Please shop at the local businesses that support your homegrown newspaper.
My sincere thanks to everyone who has congratulated and supported me in my new role as editor. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
If your schedule is free this Friday, come help us celebrate our six-year anniversary at our office in Ronan from 4-7 p.m. Located on the corner of Fourth and Main; just follow the delicious aroma of barbecue. We’ll save you a plate.
