The Scottsdale crew includes, from left, front row, Emily Soccorsy, Rusty Bradshaw, Michelle Heaukulani; from left, second row, Jennifer Amsler, Chris Mott, Todd Hoover, Sherri Conley, Stacey Lane, Michelle Tennis, Mark Lindsey and Dave Casadei. Diane Runion is not pictured.
By Dave Casadei
Independent Newspapers’ Scottsdale office has had its share of comings and goings in recent months, but the office has taken the changes in stride and continues to move forward to put out the most community-oriented publications possible.
The Scottsdale office said goodbye to seasoned advertising veterans Bill Siewert, Jackie Jacobsen and Dennis Paganelis in 2006, but welcomed in a new crew hungry for success.
Management
Independent’s Arizona News Services Managing Editor Emily Soccorsy has been with the company for more than six years and in her time has been a major part of the office’s content growth.
Emily is a “jack of all trades” in the Scottsdale office and provides leadership and assistance wherever and whenever needed.
Emily is four months into her second pregnancy and will be missed while on maternity leave, but through her teaching, will ensure the office runs smoothly.
Emily constantly helps the spirit and cheer of the office by suggesting fun ideas and events for everyone to participate in, including potlucks, picnics, movie trips, secret Santa’s and more.
Advertising
Mark Lindsey joined the Advertising team in November as the new Ad Manager and has smoothly transitioned himself and his new team to provide the best service possible for INI clients.
Mark came to INI after working more than two years at the Phoenix Business Journal. He has been in the industry for 14 years and has also had stints with the Arizona Republic. However, Mark made the switch to INI because he wanted to work for a more local, family-oriented newspaper that is committed to its communities.
Mark’s goal is to successfully increase revenue for all three of the Scottsdale office’s papers -- North Scottsdale, Northeast Phoenix and Paradise Valley.
Michelle Heaukulani came to the Scottsdale office to help service INI advertising customers in October after spending more than a year with the Sierra Vista Herald.
The Oregon native originally moved to Arizona seven years ago after her husband received a job transfer.
Now as the ad sales representative, Michelle continues to learn about the Northeast Valley community and also looks to increase all three Scottsdale office papers’ revenue by extending more advertising offers into the community as new developments appear.
“I see a lot of exciting opportunities for a young, enthusiastic team,” she said.
Sherri Conley started with INI’s Scottsdale advertising team in October as the new ad coordinator and has been valuable in taking over some of Jackie’s responsibilities, including advertising invoice entries and billing.
The Louisiana-born, Illinois-raised team member spent seven years with the Phoenix Business Journal and during that time became acquaintances with Mark.
Sherri joined INI after realizing she needed a change.
Chris Mott celebrated his one-year anniversary with the company in September and is eager to excel in 2007.
In addition to building and servicing ads, he routinely ensures INI advertising clients are satisfied with what they paid for.
Chris played a big role in creating visually stimulating ads in our most recent At Home in Paradise special section.
Chris hopes to continue successfully building ads for clients as he develops stronger relationships within the community.
Editorial
Paradise Valley News Editor Jennifer Amsler will wrap up her first year with the company in February and has done a great job at getting out in her community. She continues to seek the most community-oriented news topics as possible.
The University of Arizona graduate, who worked on her college’s paper and interned at the Tombstone Epithath, said she became interested in INI because she appreciated the niche market the company appeals to and the in-depth community focus the job requires.
In recent months, Jennifer has organized newsroom visits for three local Boy Scout troops and spoke to Saguaro High School students during Career Day.
Jennifer aims to continue being fair and accurate for readers and to cover important community issues.
North Scottsdale News Editor Rusty Bradshaw jumped ship from the Sun City office to the Scottsdale office in March and has been an office leader since arriving.
Rusty covered news for a rival North Valley publication prior to joining INI and has been pleased with his decision to join a company dedicated to specific communities.
Rusty stresses the importance of getting out into the communities during club, city council and other meetings and he believes news editors should remain patient when building contacts.
He said the contacts will pay off down the road.
Rusty also believes news editors should not be afraid to create and maintain a list of resident contacts.
Northeast Phoenix News Editor Dave Casadei celebrated his two-year anniversary in November and in his time has worked in Scottsdale and Sun City for their news services and editorial departments.
Dave regularly attends school district governing board and local village planning committee meetings and seeks to meet as many community names and faces as possible.
Dave participated in a National Reading Day event at one of his elementary schools where he read a book to a class of second-graders and plans on being a part of a community forum Council District 2 is hosting in 2007.
News Services
News Services Editor Michelle Tennis is one of the more versatile Scottsdale office employees and routinely takes care of any and all office problems that arise. Michelle, an Arizona State University graduate, wants to continue to grow with the company and is proud of the effort her team continually makes.
Michelle and her team took on a fourth paper -- Anthem -- a few months ago and have already increased content for most sections.
The team has also produced more news features and is always searching for new residents to inform them of INI’s mission.
She said her team’s goal is to boost sports news for all papers, with an emphasis on Anthem’s paper.
Stacey Lane is in the middle of her third year with the company and has been a crucial school news contact and gatherer.
Stacey always is looking for new schools and students to get involved with the paper. One of Stacey’s pet projects has been developing and improving a “Write to Report” opportunity, which allows students to submit their articles and get bylines in a reputable publication.
Although Stacey was most successful in the past recruiting high school submitters, she quickly points out more and more middle and elementary school students are getting involved and improving content.
Todd Hoover rounds out the News Services team and is always available wherever help is needed.
Todd, also an ASU graduate, joined the team in August and soon after was handling Friday deadlines.
Todd covered for Michelle twice while she was out of town and completed his tasks on time and without mistakes.
Todd has boosted the News Services team by getting out to numerous community events and is doing great at putting INI’s name out for all to see.
Todd looks to continue learning company policies and aspects and seeks to move up the corporate ladder.
