Thursday, June 30, 2011
Scouts Visit East Valley Newspaper Office
The East Valley office recently hosted scouts from Webelos Pack No. 570 of Mesa's Parkcrest Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jill Adair, news services editor, is shown here adding a photo and caption to a commemorative page in inDesign that was printed out as a keepsake. Tom Kessler (sitting in the back behind Jill), news services, showed a sports page he was designing. Richard H. Dyer, managing editor of the East Valley office's editorial team, explained the printing process and how it has changed over the years to the present; what needs to be answered to write a story; and had the Scouts come up with ideas for a headline for a Mesa fire calls brief. The Scouts learned how newspapers are made as one of the requirements for their Communications Activity Pin. "It was fun. I learned how they make the newspapers," said Jordon Gardiner, 10. "I liked how they kept the newspapers from the past," said Jorgen Goodman, 10. "I like to learn about how they used to (publish) the newspapers and how they do it right now," said Josiah Burk, 10. "I think it gave them some additional knowledge that they didn’t have before. That’s what Scouts is, to open up all different avenues of interest for them," said Webelos Den Leader Denine Connolly. A photo of the scouts and den leader was printed in the Mesa Independent.
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Banner Helps Inspire $5,000 Donation
Like youth-focused groups across the nation, many in Dorchester County, Md. have felt a drop off in donations and volunteers.
On June 16, two local groups took action to send a message of hope to the children they serve and a call for help to parents and other adults.
Patrick “Pac Man” Perez, motivational youth speaker, author and dancer, came to Dorchester County to deliver a message of student success and responsibility using a blend of break dance (b-boying) and music.
The Dorchester Boys & Girls Club and the Dorchester County Health Department, the evening’s sponsors, used the event as a call for help. Representatives from each group asked people to be involved any way they could to help them help young people in Dorchester County.
The groups also asked those in attendance to spread the word of their need.
The Banner’s News Editor Logan B. Anderson was there to cover the event to help with that effort.
On the following week, “Dorchester County’s youth needs you” ran on the front of Banner Friday, June 24.
That morning Mike Geleta, president of the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club, sent The Banner’s editor a message of thanks for the coverage and some news that someone had heeded the call.
“I just got off the phone with Ray Simmons, Esq. He saw the article about the club in today’s paper. He was impressed with our mission,” Mr. Geleta said. “He is the executor of an estate that left money to be distributed to worthy local charities. He will be presenting the club with a check for $5,000.”
“Much thanks for the great job reporting on the event and the needs of the boys & girls club ... You have made a difference,” he added.
On Monday, June 27, the Dorchester County Health Department also thanked The Banner for its coverage of its joint event.
“Thank you for taking the time to come to our Youth Event and putting an article in Friday’s paper!!! We really appreciate your work and support for the Partnership. Again, we cannot thank you enough,” said Angela Mercier, AODA prevention media specialist for the Dorchester County Health Department.
Photos and a short video from the event can be seen on The Banner’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel at, www.facebook.com/TheBannerNews or www.YouTube.com/TheBannerNews
Great Reporting Job Makes A Difference
Logan - Much thanks for the great job reporting on the event and the needsof the boys & girls club. As you can see from the attached email (copied below) – you have made a difference!
Regards,
Mike
To The Members of the Board of Directors of the Dorchester County Boys & Girls Club:
Great News!
I just got off the phone with Ray Simmons, Esq. He saw the article about the club in today's paper. He was impressed with our mission. He is the executor of an estate that left money to be distributed to worthy local charities. He will be presenting the club with a check for $5,000.00. The only condition is that two members be present for a distribution ceremony on 8/5/2011 at the Hyatt. I'll be there with bells on - anyone care to join me?
Mike
Regards,
Mike
To The Members of the Board of Directors of the Dorchester County Boys & Girls Club:
Great News!
I just got off the phone with Ray Simmons, Esq. He saw the article about the club in today's paper. He was impressed with our mission. He is the executor of an estate that left money to be distributed to worthy local charities. He will be presenting the club with a check for $5,000.00. The only condition is that two members be present for a distribution ceremony on 8/5/2011 at the Hyatt. I'll be there with bells on - anyone care to join me?
Mike
1,000,000!
The Clewiston News Facebook page reached 1,000,000 views on June 21, a few weeks shy of its first year. To demonstrate just what that means: during our busiest time we enjoyed one view every seven seconds, for an entire month, surpassing the pace of media companies many times larger than us.
Milestones:
- The page reached its first 1,000 likes in less than five months.
- The Clewiston News Facebook page is 14 likes away from 2,500.
- April was one of our busier months, with 985 new likes in that month alone.
- We have surpassed the Facebook numbers of the metro daily newspaper the Ft. Myers News Press (Sunday circulation of 110,000), CBS affiliate WINK TV (which covers a nine-county area) and many other media companies.
I’d like to congratulate the staff at The Clewiston News for doing a wonderful job harnessing the power of social media to reach out to a whole new audience of readers. Great job to our all-star team of: Juan Lopez, Jenny Woods, Melissa Agee and Amy McKown.
While it doesn’t seem that we can grow much more – our Clewiston city population is a little more than 7,000 – we will continue using our resources to promote our name and newspaper in our community and already have some great ideas for utilizing apps and other strategies to further solidify our name as the official news source of our area.
Jose Zaragoza
Publisher
South Lake
Monday, June 27, 2011
Benefit Satisfaction Survey Results
Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the Benefit Satisfaction Survey in May. We had 63 employees participate. INI appreciates the responses and will use this information when making future decisions. Follow the link below to review the results.
file://ini04/Company_Information/Survey
file://ini04/Company_Information/Survey
Thursday, June 23, 2011
401k Company Match to Begin July 1st
Independent will match 50% of each employee’s contribution to his or her 401(k) account for the plan year that begins on July 1, 2011, up to an annual limit of $250. This means that an employee who contributes $500 or more for the year ($10 a week) will actually be investing at least $750 to his or her 401(k) because of the $250 matching contribution from the company.
The company had made similar matches in previous years, but the practice was suspended in 2008 when the national economy stumbled. This year, however, the company’s 401(k) committee recommended restoring the match, and the board of directors unanimously agreed.
“Our outside directors --- Darcy Olsen, Richard Bricker and Pete Eyerly --- felt Independent’s people deserved this recognition of their efforts,” INI board chair Joe Smyth said. “Our people sacrificed and worked harder and smarter to help the company to get through the worst national economy since the Great Depression, so we’re pleased to finally be able to restore at least a modest 401(k) match.”
“We hope the company match will spark participation in the plan,” said the 401(k) committee members --- Corporate President Ed Dulin, Corporate Treasurer Toni Ayers and Corporate Secretary Wanda Ford-Waring. “A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful tools employees can use to invest now for their retirement and long-term security.”
The first benefit is that your contributions to a 401(k) plan are not taxed as current income. They come right off the top of your salary before taxes are withheld. This reduces your taxable income, allowing you to pay less in taxes each year. You will eventually pay taxes when you begin to withdraw money from the plan, but you may be in a lower tax bracket at that time.
Furthermore, money held in a 401(k) plan grows tax deferred. The investment earnings on plan assets are not taxed as long as they remain inside the plan. In the meantime, tax-deferred growth gives you the opportunity to build a substantial 401(k) balance over the long term, depending on investment performance.
Your contributions can be a percentage of your gross pay or a flat dollar amount per pay period. Each employee can defer up to $16,500 annually tax deferred; if you are age 50 and older before the close of a plan year, you are eligible to contribute up to $22,000 to your 401(k) account, all tax deferred.
Every employee age 21 or over, who has been with the company one year with at least 1,000 hours of service, is eligible to join Independent’s 401(k) Plan.
You can contact inipayroll@newszap.com if you wish to join the 401(k) Plan and begin receiving the company match. If you would like to increase your current contribution, changes can be made through your Ceridian Self Service by selecting Benefits>401(k) Elections.
To learn more about Independent’s 401(k) plan, review the summary plan document in the company handbook on the toolbox @ http://initoolbox.newszap.com/handbook.htm#VIII._Benefit_Summary_Plans_
The company had made similar matches in previous years, but the practice was suspended in 2008 when the national economy stumbled. This year, however, the company’s 401(k) committee recommended restoring the match, and the board of directors unanimously agreed.
“Our outside directors --- Darcy Olsen, Richard Bricker and Pete Eyerly --- felt Independent’s people deserved this recognition of their efforts,” INI board chair Joe Smyth said. “Our people sacrificed and worked harder and smarter to help the company to get through the worst national economy since the Great Depression, so we’re pleased to finally be able to restore at least a modest 401(k) match.”
“We hope the company match will spark participation in the plan,” said the 401(k) committee members --- Corporate President Ed Dulin, Corporate Treasurer Toni Ayers and Corporate Secretary Wanda Ford-Waring. “A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful tools employees can use to invest now for their retirement and long-term security.”
The first benefit is that your contributions to a 401(k) plan are not taxed as current income. They come right off the top of your salary before taxes are withheld. This reduces your taxable income, allowing you to pay less in taxes each year. You will eventually pay taxes when you begin to withdraw money from the plan, but you may be in a lower tax bracket at that time.
Furthermore, money held in a 401(k) plan grows tax deferred. The investment earnings on plan assets are not taxed as long as they remain inside the plan. In the meantime, tax-deferred growth gives you the opportunity to build a substantial 401(k) balance over the long term, depending on investment performance.
Your contributions can be a percentage of your gross pay or a flat dollar amount per pay period. Each employee can defer up to $16,500 annually tax deferred; if you are age 50 and older before the close of a plan year, you are eligible to contribute up to $22,000 to your 401(k) account, all tax deferred.
Every employee age 21 or over, who has been with the company one year with at least 1,000 hours of service, is eligible to join Independent’s 401(k) Plan.
You can contact inipayroll@newszap.com if you wish to join the 401(k) Plan and begin receiving the company match. If you would like to increase your current contribution, changes can be made through your Ceridian Self Service by selecting Benefits>401(k) Elections.
To learn more about Independent’s 401(k) plan, review the summary plan document in the company handbook on the toolbox @ http://initoolbox.newszap.com/handbook.htm#VIII._Benefit_Summary_Plans_
July Anniversaries
7/1 , 25 YRS , Sylvia Windsor , Daily Banner
7/2 , 5 YRS , Donny Jacobs , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/2 , 25 YRS , Sandra Stokes , Daily Banner
7/4 , 39 YRS , Wanda Ford-Waring , Corporate
7/5 , 1 YRS , Ashley Dawson , Delaware State News
7/11 , 4 YRS , Terrance Thornton , Apache Junction Independent
7/12 , 6 YRS , Gerald Bradshaw , Sun City Independent
7/18 , 5 YRS , Michael Watson , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/19 , 1 YRS , Jillian Lontz , Delaware State News
7/21 , 9 YRS , Thomas Byrd , Independent of Florida
7/21 , 14 YRS , Burkey Emmons , Delaware Printing Company
7/21 , 14 YRS , Deborah Myers , Sun City Independent
7/24 , 5 YRS , James Hoesch , Corporate
7/25 , 3 YRS , Kurt Ploudre , Independent of Arizona
7/25 , 8 YRS , John Redman , Delaware State News
7/25 , 23 YRS , Josephine Sudler , Daily Banner
7/2 , 5 YRS , Donny Jacobs , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/2 , 25 YRS , Sandra Stokes , Daily Banner
7/4 , 39 YRS , Wanda Ford-Waring , Corporate
7/5 , 1 YRS , Ashley Dawson , Delaware State News
7/11 , 4 YRS , Terrance Thornton , Apache Junction Independent
7/12 , 6 YRS , Gerald Bradshaw , Sun City Independent
7/18 , 5 YRS , Michael Watson , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/19 , 1 YRS , Jillian Lontz , Delaware State News
7/21 , 9 YRS , Thomas Byrd , Independent of Florida
7/21 , 14 YRS , Burkey Emmons , Delaware Printing Company
7/21 , 14 YRS , Deborah Myers , Sun City Independent
7/24 , 5 YRS , James Hoesch , Corporate
7/25 , 3 YRS , Kurt Ploudre , Independent of Arizona
7/25 , 8 YRS , John Redman , Delaware State News
7/25 , 23 YRS , Josephine Sudler , Daily Banner
July Birthdays
7/3 , Judith McMillan , Sussex Post
7/7 , Angela Bridges , Okeechobee News
7/7 , Christopher Clark , Delaware Printing Company
7/7 , Teresa Mataushek , Okeechobee News
7/9 , Debra Friedl , Independent of Arizona
7/12 , Richard Naughton , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/13 , Donald Cannon , Delaware Printing Company
7/19 , Patricia Brant , Caloosa Belle
7/20 , Louise Dowling , Okeechobee News
7/22 , Galen Daub , Delaware Printing Company
7/22 , Allan Ryder , Delaware State News
7/23 , Benny Rivera , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/24 , Josephine Sudler , Daily Banner
7/25 , Donald Hawkins , Delaware Printing Company
7/27 , Jessica Eisenbrey , Delaware State News
7/29 , Taylor Heesh , Delaware Printing Company
7/30 , Wanda Ford-Waring , Corporate
7/30 , Zenaida Matute , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/31 , William Mitchell , Sussex Post
7/7 , Angela Bridges , Okeechobee News
7/7 , Christopher Clark , Delaware Printing Company
7/7 , Teresa Mataushek , Okeechobee News
7/9 , Debra Friedl , Independent of Arizona
7/12 , Richard Naughton , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/13 , Donald Cannon , Delaware Printing Company
7/19 , Patricia Brant , Caloosa Belle
7/20 , Louise Dowling , Okeechobee News
7/22 , Galen Daub , Delaware Printing Company
7/22 , Allan Ryder , Delaware State News
7/23 , Benny Rivera , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/24 , Josephine Sudler , Daily Banner
7/25 , Donald Hawkins , Delaware Printing Company
7/27 , Jessica Eisenbrey , Delaware State News
7/29 , Taylor Heesh , Delaware Printing Company
7/30 , Wanda Ford-Waring , Corporate
7/30 , Zenaida Matute , Valley Newspaper Printing
7/31 , William Mitchell , Sussex Post
Sylvia Windsor Celebrates 25 Years with INI
ANNIVERSARY PROFILE
25 YEARS
Name: Sylvia B. Windsor
Newspaper: Dorchester Banner
Position: News Services
Number of years in the newspaper or printing business: 50 years in November
Job description: I paginate pages for the Dorchester Banner and special sections; I do ad layout for these editions; I gather local news from e-mail and mail, editing the copy and formatting the photos to use on my pages and read Logan’s stories and check his pages. I also take care of the community calendar and church news. Working in such a small office, we all help each other whenever possible with the goal of producing a quality product.
What I like best (about my job): I love paginating and creating something that will please our readers, providing them with the news they need. I love the community and never tire of a challenge. When I began work at The Banner at the age of 18 I started out as a typesetter, then I wrote a weekly column for the editorial page and eventually became Managing Editor for 5 years, then transferred to Compo supervisor, then to copy editor and then to news services. In all that time I never tired of the newspaper business and meeting new people. Although I have to admit there were times when I could have thrown certain individuals in the street and ran over them with my car. But fortunately I didn’t, because I didn’t want to hurt my car and go to jail. Everyone at The Banner helped where needed, and still do. We inserted papers when it was necessary and for 8 years I even delivered the paper in Cambridge. When people ask me when I plan to retire, I just look at them and reply, “I don’t.” As long as I am needed and do a good job, why would I retire, my job is interesting and fun.
Most memorable moment with INI: When I accepted an Excellence Award in 2001 from Tammy Brittingham and she hugged and kissed me on the cheek. I admired her knowledge of the newspaper business and her courage in fighting cancer. She was an inspiration to us all and still missed by many. I will never forget her.
Hobbies/Interests: I am a cake baker, not by choice but for economic reasons (money). People call me and order a cake and I try to decorate it to their satisfaction. I have been doing this for about 25 years and with the economy as it is, there apparently is no end in sight. I love old movies, 50s, disco and big band music. I love my four cats: Chandler Bing, Phoebe, Ross and Tom Henry. I enjoy eating out especially; Red Lobster and I enjoy my home, which I recently painted Periwinkle (you can’t miss it).
Fun fact (about myself): I’m flat-footed, too fat and have a really weird sense of humor. Oh, well nobody’s perfect.
25 YEARS
 |
| Sylvia Windsor |
Newspaper: Dorchester Banner
Position: News Services
Number of years in the newspaper or printing business: 50 years in November
Job description: I paginate pages for the Dorchester Banner and special sections; I do ad layout for these editions; I gather local news from e-mail and mail, editing the copy and formatting the photos to use on my pages and read Logan’s stories and check his pages. I also take care of the community calendar and church news. Working in such a small office, we all help each other whenever possible with the goal of producing a quality product.
What I like best (about my job): I love paginating and creating something that will please our readers, providing them with the news they need. I love the community and never tire of a challenge. When I began work at The Banner at the age of 18 I started out as a typesetter, then I wrote a weekly column for the editorial page and eventually became Managing Editor for 5 years, then transferred to Compo supervisor, then to copy editor and then to news services. In all that time I never tired of the newspaper business and meeting new people. Although I have to admit there were times when I could have thrown certain individuals in the street and ran over them with my car. But fortunately I didn’t, because I didn’t want to hurt my car and go to jail. Everyone at The Banner helped where needed, and still do. We inserted papers when it was necessary and for 8 years I even delivered the paper in Cambridge. When people ask me when I plan to retire, I just look at them and reply, “I don’t.” As long as I am needed and do a good job, why would I retire, my job is interesting and fun.
Most memorable moment with INI: When I accepted an Excellence Award in 2001 from Tammy Brittingham and she hugged and kissed me on the cheek. I admired her knowledge of the newspaper business and her courage in fighting cancer. She was an inspiration to us all and still missed by many. I will never forget her.
Hobbies/Interests: I am a cake baker, not by choice but for economic reasons (money). People call me and order a cake and I try to decorate it to their satisfaction. I have been doing this for about 25 years and with the economy as it is, there apparently is no end in sight. I love old movies, 50s, disco and big band music. I love my four cats: Chandler Bing, Phoebe, Ross and Tom Henry. I enjoy eating out especially; Red Lobster and I enjoy my home, which I recently painted Periwinkle (you can’t miss it).
Fun fact (about myself): I’m flat-footed, too fat and have a really weird sense of humor. Oh, well nobody’s perfect.
Jim Hoesch Celebrates 5 Years with INI
ANNIVERSARY PROFILE
5 YEARS
Name: Jim Hoesch
Newspaper: Independent Newspapers Inc.
Position: Billing
Number of years in the newspaper or printing business: 5 wonderful years
Job description: Billing
What I like best (about my job): There are many things that I like about my job, but I must say the people that I work with are wonderful, they are my second family!
Most memorable moment with INI: The day Lisa told Wanda that I didn’t like her shoes!!! Thought that was going to be my last day with INI……LOL
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy working outdoors. Recently I have started building my own lawn furniture.
Fun fact (about myself): In the summer time I like to go home and fill up my kiddy pool and relax with a beer! Let the good times roll!
5 YEARS
Name: Jim Hoesch
Newspaper: Independent Newspapers Inc.
Position: Billing
Number of years in the newspaper or printing business: 5 wonderful years
Job description: Billing
What I like best (about my job): There are many things that I like about my job, but I must say the people that I work with are wonderful, they are my second family!
Most memorable moment with INI: The day Lisa told Wanda that I didn’t like her shoes!!! Thought that was going to be my last day with INI……LOL
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy working outdoors. Recently I have started building my own lawn furniture.
Fun fact (about myself): In the summer time I like to go home and fill up my kiddy pool and relax with a beer! Let the good times roll!
Education and Health Fair
Newshound met up with Delaware State News Ad Managers Catherine Hall (left) and Sharon Harvey at Dover Modern Maturity Center Community Education & Health Fair. The State News was a sponsor of this event which included publishing the program book and hosting the reception area for the event vendors. You can see the program book online at www.newszap.com and click on "special sections."
This Bud's for ........................................
Debra Luke for stepping in to handle payroll while I was out playing on the motorcycle in the mountains of PA. You are a great backup and a friend. – Sheila
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Your Opinion Counts
As we approach our annual enrollment period, we want to know what you think about Independent’s current benefit programs.
INI’s broker has set up a confidential online survey specifically for Independent Newspapers. The survey runs through June 24th. Your feedback is very important to INI, so please take time to complete the confidential survey.
Responses to the survey are received by Corporate Synergies, INI’s broker, who will compile the results. ALL responses will be 100% confidential.
Click this link to begin the survey- http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/547731/independent-newspapers
Should you have questions or problems accessing the survey’s link, please email inipayroll@newszap.com.
Thank you for your participation in this feedback survey.
INI’s broker has set up a confidential online survey specifically for Independent Newspapers. The survey runs through June 24th. Your feedback is very important to INI, so please take time to complete the confidential survey.
Responses to the survey are received by Corporate Synergies, INI’s broker, who will compile the results. ALL responses will be 100% confidential.
Click this link to begin the survey- http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/547731/independent-newspapers
Should you have questions or problems accessing the survey’s link, please email inipayroll@newszap.com.
Thank you for your participation in this feedback survey.
Ad Consultant By Day -- Championship Swim Coach By Night!
Brian Keller, an advertising consultant for the Scottsdale, Biltmore and Town of Paradise Valley Independents in Arizona, recently coached has been producing outstanding National Level swimmers and students for over the last five years. His swimmers have won National titles, earned 12 All-American honors and his Teams have placed in the Top 10 at National Meets. Just this year he’s had "5" swimmers achieve National or Olympic Trial time standards.
As a swimmer, Brian has had several top 16 rankings in the USA, and set numerous Arizona State Swimming Records.
Brian, left, is shown with Notre Dame Preparatory High School swimmer Alex Brouwer, who this year captured the Arizona state championship in 50-meter and 100-backstroke competitions.
As a swimmer, Brian has had several top 16 rankings in the USA, and set numerous Arizona State Swimming Records.
Brian, left, is shown with Notre Dame Preparatory High School swimmer Alex Brouwer, who this year captured the Arizona state championship in 50-meter and 100-backstroke competitions.
Town of Paradise Valley Pleased with Local Newspaper
A reader in the Town of Paradise Valley sent a nice note to the team in appreciation of a 50th anniversary commemorative booklet recently published by the Town of Paradise Valley Independent:
"Congratulations to the Town of Paradise Valley Independent for the fine job you did in producing the Town of Paradise Valley's 50th Anniversary Booklet. Your in-depth articles were the perfect way to update the Town's 40th Anniversary Report. Thanks to your efforts, it is great that the Town archives are being kept up to date in such an excellent manner. Again, many thanks and congratulations for your service to the Town of Paradise Valley.
Sincerely,
Edward F. Lowry Jr.
"Congratulations to the Town of Paradise Valley Independent for the fine job you did in producing the Town of Paradise Valley's 50th Anniversary Booklet. Your in-depth articles were the perfect way to update the Town's 40th Anniversary Report. Thanks to your efforts, it is great that the Town archives are being kept up to date in such an excellent manner. Again, many thanks and congratulations for your service to the Town of Paradise Valley.
Sincerely,
Edward F. Lowry Jr.
401(k) Company Match Resumes July 1st
Independent will match 50% of each employee’s contribution to his or her 401(k) account for the plan year that begins on July 1, 2011, up to an annual limit of $250. This means that an employee who contributes $500 or more for the year ($10 a week) will actually be investing at least $750 to his or her 401(k) because of the $250 matching contribution from the company.
The company had made similar matches in previous years, but the practice was suspended in 2008 when the national economy stumbled. This year, however, the company’s 401(k) committee recommended restoring the match, and the board of directors unanimously agreed.
“Our outside directors --- Darcy Olsen, Richard Bricker and Pete Eyerly --- felt Independent’s people deserved this recognition of their efforts,” INI board chair Joe Smyth said. “Our people sacrificed and worked harder and smarter to help the company to get through the worst national economy since the Great Depression, so we’re pleased to finally be able to restore at least a modest 401(k) match.”
“We hope the company match will spark participation in the plan,” said the 401(k) committee members --- Corporate President Ed Dulin, Corporate Treasurer Toni Ayers and Corporate Secretary Wanda Ford-Waring. “A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful tools employees can use to invest now for their retirement and long-term security.”
The first benefit is that your contributions to a 401(k) plan are not taxed as current income. They come right off the top of your salary before taxes are withheld. This reduces your taxable income, allowing you to pay less in taxes each year. You will eventually pay taxes when you begin to withdraw money from the plan, but you may be in a lower tax bracket at that time.
Furthermore, money held in a 401(k) plan grows tax deferred. The investment earnings on plan assets are not taxed as long as they remain inside the plan. In the meantime, tax-deferred growth gives you the opportunity to build a substantial 401(k) balance over the long term, depending on investment performance.
Your contributions can be a percentage of your gross pay or a flat dollar amount per pay period. Each employee can defer up to $16,500 annually tax deferred; if you are age 50 and older before the close of a plan year, you are eligible to contribute up to $22,000 to your 401(k) account, all tax deferred.
Every employee age 21 or over, who has been with the company one year with at least 1,000 hours of service, is eligible to join Independent’s 401(k) Plan.
You can contact inipayroll@newszap.com if you wish to join the 401(k) Plan and begin receiving the company match. If you would like to increase your current contribution, changes can be made through your Ceridian Self Service by selecting Benefits>401(k) Elections.
To learn more about Independent’s 401(k) plan, review the summary plan document in the company handbook on the toolbox @ http://initoolbox.newszap.com/handbook.htm#VIII._Benefit_Summary_Plans_
The company had made similar matches in previous years, but the practice was suspended in 2008 when the national economy stumbled. This year, however, the company’s 401(k) committee recommended restoring the match, and the board of directors unanimously agreed.
“Our outside directors --- Darcy Olsen, Richard Bricker and Pete Eyerly --- felt Independent’s people deserved this recognition of their efforts,” INI board chair Joe Smyth said. “Our people sacrificed and worked harder and smarter to help the company to get through the worst national economy since the Great Depression, so we’re pleased to finally be able to restore at least a modest 401(k) match.”
“We hope the company match will spark participation in the plan,” said the 401(k) committee members --- Corporate President Ed Dulin, Corporate Treasurer Toni Ayers and Corporate Secretary Wanda Ford-Waring. “A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful tools employees can use to invest now for their retirement and long-term security.”
The first benefit is that your contributions to a 401(k) plan are not taxed as current income. They come right off the top of your salary before taxes are withheld. This reduces your taxable income, allowing you to pay less in taxes each year. You will eventually pay taxes when you begin to withdraw money from the plan, but you may be in a lower tax bracket at that time.
Furthermore, money held in a 401(k) plan grows tax deferred. The investment earnings on plan assets are not taxed as long as they remain inside the plan. In the meantime, tax-deferred growth gives you the opportunity to build a substantial 401(k) balance over the long term, depending on investment performance.
Your contributions can be a percentage of your gross pay or a flat dollar amount per pay period. Each employee can defer up to $16,500 annually tax deferred; if you are age 50 and older before the close of a plan year, you are eligible to contribute up to $22,000 to your 401(k) account, all tax deferred.
Every employee age 21 or over, who has been with the company one year with at least 1,000 hours of service, is eligible to join Independent’s 401(k) Plan.
You can contact inipayroll@newszap.com if you wish to join the 401(k) Plan and begin receiving the company match. If you would like to increase your current contribution, changes can be made through your Ceridian Self Service by selecting Benefits>401(k) Elections.
To learn more about Independent’s 401(k) plan, review the summary plan document in the company handbook on the toolbox @ http://initoolbox.newszap.com/handbook.htm#VIII._Benefit_Summary_Plans_
Our New Name
Our new name:
Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA
Printing/Publications/Digital Media
Several months ago, we asked our company’s people for their suggestions about a possible corporate name change to Independent Newsmedia Inc. The old corporate name (since about 1970) had been Independent Newspapers, Inc., but we now do a LOT more than newspapers.
100% of the comments in response to the name change article in Press Lines (Your Reactions To A Possible New Name For INI?) were positive; even enthusiastic in most cases.
However…
• We had searched earlier and learned that there are other companies (overseas) that use “Independent News Media” but no “Independent Newsmedia” in the USA. Still, Linda Sabo (one of our systems techs in Delaware) was sharp enough to wonder if we should add something to the proposed name to further distinguish ourselves from the others. This stimulated the idea of adding “USA” to the proposed new corporate name. Our key people liked the patriotic message this sends, too!
• One of our publishers in Arizona, Charlene Bisson-Patti, astutely pointed out we don’t provide websites, so we’ve evolved toward using “Digital Media” instead of “Websites” in our positioning line.
So, our official name is now:
Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA
Printing/Publications/Digital Media
Key points to keep in mind:
1. The new corporate name is intended to better reflect what we have become since we now have digital products and services, special sections, other print products and printing operations in addition to newspapers. It should be helpful internally and in recruiting.
2. However, the names of our individual local products (like “the state capital daily” Delaware State News, the Dorchester Banner in Maryland, the Okeechobee News in Florida and the Independents in Arizona) and our subsidiaries (like newszap.com, Delaware Printing Company and Valley Newspapers) will NOT change. Promoting the names of our individual products to consumers will continue to take priority over promoting the corporate name.
3. The name of our non-profit holding company, “INI Holdings, Inc.” won’t change, either. Of course we don’t promote that name at all --- internally or externally.
4. When appropriate, we can continue to use “INI” or “Independent” as shortcuts for our full corporate name.
5. The first line --- Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA --- is now the official corporate name.
6. The second line --- Printing/Publications/Digital Media --- can continue to evolve as we see fit. We can also continue to use other positioning lines such as “Inspired by the First Amendment” when appropriate.
7. The change can be phased in gradually and without incurring added expenses. We will NOT change bank accounts, licenses, contracts, media kits, business cards, signs, etc. except when it is time for renewal or replacement. (After all, we will still be the same company; only the name will be changing --- and not changing very dramatically.)
8. We have registered “Independent Newspapers, Inc.” as a DBA (doing business as) affiliate of “Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA”, to make the gradual transition to the new name reasonably seamless.
Thanks to everybody who contributed to the name change decisions --- and especially to Charlene and Linda. Their good suggestions illustrate how important employee involvement has been to this company’s current and future success.
Thanks - Joe
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