Below is an email received from one of our network partners and commercial print clients.
Hi Everybody,
I wanted to drop you all a note commending Donz down in preprints ( I'm sure you have a name for that department).
He called me yesterday to let me know that a preprint had arrived with an expired date. Getting up with us immediately gave us time to inform the advertiser and let him decide if he wanted to get them reprinted or not.
The advertiser was very appreciative but elected to go ahead and run them with the incorrect date anyway. But we were able to inform him and possibly avoided an issue if it had just run incorrect without the advertiser knowing about it.
It is good to know that we have very committed people looking out for us in every aspect of the print process.
Just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate it.
Susan Lyons
Publisher
Coastal Point
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
New Director Added to INI’s Board
 |
| Alicia Wadas |
Alicia Wadas has been elected to the board of directors of Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA.
Alicia is the chief operating officer at The Lavidge Company, a leading advertising and public relations agency in Phoenix that also offers interactive services such as digital and social media strategies. Under her leadership, the agency made acquisitions, tripled in employee size, moved into larger facilities, and managed through an economic recession.
With 30 years of experience in guiding her own company --- plus a variety of others --- to success, Alicia still views every challenge as a new mountain waiting to be conquered. "I like finding people's unique strengths and how we can work together for the best results," she explains.
Alicia has a BA in communication from the University of Colorado. She is an active volunteer in several organizations including the FBI Phoenix Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association and Safely in Mothers Arms. She lives in the Phoenix area with her husband, a laser physics scientist and former U.S. Air Force pilot.
She replaces Darcy Olsen on INI’s board. Darcy, the president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, stepped down as a director after two years of service. As a member of INI’s board, Alicia joins:
• Richard Bricker, an independent business consultant with a strong background in finance, law and real estate;
• Pete Eyerly, chairman of the daily Press Enterprise, which operates daily and business journals in Pennsylvania and has developed a significant web offset commercial printing business;
• Joe Smyth, INI CEO and board chairman and author of Newsroom Guidelines for Independent Newspapers, who transferred ownership of INI in 1991 to the non-profit holding company he had created for that purpose.
“We are excited to add Alicia’s energy and fresh perspectives to our board of directors”, Joe said. “We are looking forward to working and learning together in these very exciting times for our industry, as we embrace new digital opportunities to better serve our readers and advertisers.”
Patty Celebrates 25 Years With INI
ANNIVERSARY PROFILE
25 YEARS
Name: Patty Brant
Newspaper: Caloosa Belle/Immokalee Bulletin
Position: Editor
Number of years in the newspaper or printing business: 27 – I started at the CB in 1985 and was in 1987 when INI came in.
Job description: As the only in-house editorial person for these two papers, all hands-on editorial pretty much falls to me. Since LaBelle and Immokalee are about 25 miles apart and in different counties, that can sometimes be a handful. In small towns everybody knows the paper and feels a personal connection with it. The economy may be sliding downhill and taking advertising with it, but folks still want to see their news in their community paper, even though there’s less paper to put it in. Factor in important hard news and juggling may be my chief skill!.
What I like best (about my job): The people! Both here in the office and in the community. And there’s always something to learn, something new even in the constant rhythm of community life.
Most memorable moment with INI: Favorite story: For many years the American Legion has sponsored Boys State, sending high school juniors to take part in a mock government exercise in Tallahassee. A few years back several of these big, gruff Legionnaires brought three of the boys to the office for an interview before the session. One of the boys was a slight, nice looking African American young man with small round glasses. Very personable and very intelligent. The Legionnaires’ chairman mentioned to this young man that there are lots of scholarship opportunities from Boys State, including a full scholarship to any university in the country. The first qualification was that a close relative must have served in the military.
This young man was very skeptical about his chances for such a scholarship, so the Legionnaire ramped up his sales pitch, working to convince this young man that he, too, really could be the winner. The young man said no, he didn’t have any close relatives who served in the military. Several of the Legionnaires joined in, saying surely someone in his family had been in the military. It didn’t have to be his father or brother – an uncle or grandfather would qualify.
Rather sheepishly, the boy kept dodging, obviously not convinced, but the Legionnaires were determined to find a way to help this promising young man. Finally the boy just gave up and said that his grandfather had been in the navy.
“Well, that’s it! He’d qualify!” the Legionnaires told him.
“I don’t think so,” he told them. “He was in the Japanese navy.”
Well, there was a room full of stunned Legionnaires and a few very awkward moments, but one of them finally picked up the conversation and went on.
And that’s what makes this job so much fun. You just never know what might happen.
Hobbies/Interests: I’ve got a book coming out. Fiction. Mystery called Bitter Secrets about a reporter in a hometown newspaper (now where do you suppose that came from?) trying to unravel the disappearance of a family 40 years earlier. A wheelchair-bound Viet Nam vet, a savvy old black man, the diary of a 13-year-old girl 40 years gone and several horrifying spectral faces help her find the truth.
After sending my manuscript to many publishers over the past few years – none of which could see it was the new Great American Novel – I self-published through iUniverse. It should be out in just a few weeks. Polishing up the sequel now.
A Sweet Bundle of Joy
Delaware State News Graphics Specialist Tim Menasco and his family are excited to share the news that they have a new grandbaby. Makinzie Brielle Shade was born March 13, 2012 at 7:43 am. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21" long. After some initial challenges, “Kinzie” was able to go home with her parents and is doing very well and improving rapidly. Congratulations to Tim on this new addition to his family!
Excellence Awards Celebration
The Delmarva group was excited to honor the 12 Excellence Awards Recipients from our group on March 22 with a luncheon. Ed Dulin, Delmarva Group President, opened the celebration and then each team leader presented the certificates and checks.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
All Decked Out For The Holiday
Tim Spong of DSN never passes up the chance to add come light hearted fun to the holidays. Here he is “greening it up” for St. Patrick’s Day!
April Birthdays
4/2 , Alexander Foote , Apache Junction Independent
4/2 , Mauricio Garcia , Valley Newspaper Printing
4/11 , Olivia Littleton , Delaware State News
4/11 , David Taylor , Apache Junction Independent
4/12 , Nichole Christopoulos , Delaware State News
4/12 , Timothy Menasco , Delaware State News
4/16 , Michael Jacobs , Valley Newspaper Printing
4/19 , Norma Kilpatrick , Sun City Independent
4/20 , Henry Jones , Delaware Printing Company
4/20 , Deborah Myers , Sun City Independent
4/24 , Edward Dulin , Chairman Office
4/24 , Angela Hicks , Delaware State News
4/26 , Tony Gilliard , Daily Banner
4/29 , Raymond Ford , Delaware Printing Company
4/30 , Kristina Schwartz , Okeechobee News
4/2 , Mauricio Garcia , Valley Newspaper Printing
4/11 , Olivia Littleton , Delaware State News
4/11 , David Taylor , Apache Junction Independent
4/12 , Nichole Christopoulos , Delaware State News
4/12 , Timothy Menasco , Delaware State News
4/16 , Michael Jacobs , Valley Newspaper Printing
4/19 , Norma Kilpatrick , Sun City Independent
4/20 , Henry Jones , Delaware Printing Company
4/20 , Deborah Myers , Sun City Independent
4/24 , Edward Dulin , Chairman Office
4/24 , Angela Hicks , Delaware State News
4/26 , Tony Gilliard , Daily Banner
4/29 , Raymond Ford , Delaware Printing Company
4/30 , Kristina Schwartz , Okeechobee News
April Anniversaries
4/1 , 25 YRS , Patricia Brant , Caloosa Belle
4/2 , 10 YRS , Peter Gawda , Okeechobee News
4/10 , 17 YRS , Diane Runion , Northeast Group Independent
4/12 , 10 YRS , Lisa Bryner , Corporate
4/12 , 8 YRS , Allan Ryder , Delaware State News
4/15 , 5 YRS , Frances Callaway , Delaware Printing Company
4/15 , 34 YRS , Lori Kircher , Corporate
4/18 , 24 YRS , Sheila Clendaniel , Corporate
4/19 , 19 YRS , Heather Cregar , Independent of Delmarva
4/20 , 7 YRS , Dolores Hamilton , Okeechobee News
4/20 , 18 YRS , Craig Horleman , Delaware State News
4/23 , 22 YRS , Michelle Vinson , Corporate
4/2 , 10 YRS , Peter Gawda , Okeechobee News
4/10 , 17 YRS , Diane Runion , Northeast Group Independent
4/12 , 10 YRS , Lisa Bryner , Corporate
4/12 , 8 YRS , Allan Ryder , Delaware State News
4/15 , 5 YRS , Frances Callaway , Delaware Printing Company
4/15 , 34 YRS , Lori Kircher , Corporate
4/18 , 24 YRS , Sheila Clendaniel , Corporate
4/19 , 19 YRS , Heather Cregar , Independent of Delmarva
4/20 , 7 YRS , Dolores Hamilton , Okeechobee News
4/20 , 18 YRS , Craig Horleman , Delaware State News
4/23 , 22 YRS , Michelle Vinson , Corporate
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
DSN reporter casts a good spell
Dave Skocik, emcee and pronouncer of the annual Delaware State Spelling Bee, sent in a note of thanks for Jamie-Leigh Bissett’s participation in the 2012 event. She served as a judge at the event, while reporting on the story.
Mr. Skocik wrote, “THANK YOU for assigning Jamie Leigh Bissett to the bee at St. Mark's H.S. She did a wonderful job judging and reporting about the event. It lasted 3 1/2 grueling hours, the longest ever because of how evenly matched the final two contestants were. They went back and forth 49 times on some very obscure, foreign based words before one of them misspelled a much simpler word.
“Jamie was on top of everything the whole time, which was especially noteworthy since she hadn't judged before. Focus is extremely important because of the scrutiny exercised by an audience of hundreds of parents, grandparents, siblings and others. After 21 years of serving as word pronouncer, it is still the most on-point gig of my emcee year.”
Mr. Skocik wrote, “THANK YOU for assigning Jamie Leigh Bissett to the bee at St. Mark's H.S. She did a wonderful job judging and reporting about the event. It lasted 3 1/2 grueling hours, the longest ever because of how evenly matched the final two contestants were. They went back and forth 49 times on some very obscure, foreign based words before one of them misspelled a much simpler word.
“Jamie was on top of everything the whole time, which was especially noteworthy since she hadn't judged before. Focus is extremely important because of the scrutiny exercised by an audience of hundreds of parents, grandparents, siblings and others. After 21 years of serving as word pronouncer, it is still the most on-point gig of my emcee year.”
Excellence Award Recipients for 2012
Excellence – to excel; to do extremely well; possessing outstanding quality or superior merit – all definitions which describe our 2012 Excellence Award Recipients. They are committed to their own success and the success of Independent Newsmedia Inc USA. They achieve results; work as a team and continue to learn and teach others.
The recipients of the 2012 Excellence Awards are listed below in alphabetical order by region.
ARIZONA
Robert Giarraputo
Production Manager
Valley Printing
Commitment
Rob's dedication 24/7 to keeping things running as smoothly as possible with the added phases of our printing operation speaks highly of his commitment to Valley Newspapers.
Rob has worked tirelessly over the past two year on a project that has resulted in a 10 year contract with our first ever daily newspaper, the Wall Street Journal....and all of the accompanying projects that go with it...press installation, inserting and mailing machines, expanded personnel and scheduling, problem solving in all areas. His efforts have helped to secure a position as the newspaper printer of choice in the industry for Valley Newspapers.
Rob's patience in dealing with issues, and his commitment to a cause, inspires others that this is not just a job, but an adventure that we can all be excited about.
Brian Keller
Advertising Manager
North Valley Office
Courtesy_EthicalStandards
Brian is always respectful to his co-workers and clients, striving to make the paper and his clients a success. His positive attitude is uplifting and encouraging, showing everyone that with continuous hard work we can make the paper and our customers a success.
Brian “pounds the pavement” everyday to bring in new clients, while still working closely with and meeting the needs of his regular customers in this tough economy. Brian's sales numbers have always been impressive, which is an inspiration to everyone in the Valley office.
Brian is always personable, even when he has a ton of work. He makes everyone feel like a TEAM!
Scott Taylor
Advertising Manager
East Valley Office
Commitment
Scott's commitment to INI is an inspiration to his fellow co-workers. It is refreshing to see his positive attitude day after day even when the sale might not always go his way. Scott follows through in everything that he does. He can be counted on to be there until the end.
Scott always goes above and beyond for each and every account that he handles. This has resulted in acquiring and retaining accounts that might not have otherwise chose our products. He is also an award winning cartoonist, and to give an advertiser a unique edge with their advertising he offered to do a comic strip within their ad on a weekly basis at no additional charge to them.
He is always the first one to step up to volunteer to cover a story or snap a photo even though he is a salesperson. He understands that taking ownership means making the whole team successful. He attends many networking events in order to keep the INI brand out there and fresh in advertisers’ minds.
DELMARVA
Dave Cannon
Advertising Manager
Dorchester Banner
Results
Dave always demonstrates a great attitude and puts the paper first in his daily activities. Advertisers refer to him as a real salesperson. He always has a professional attitude, appearance and knows newspaper advertising in spite of the fact that he has been at the job only a short time.
He has regained the trust of our advertisers and is a goodwill ambassador for the Dorchester Banner and Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA.
Dave is always willing to help out in any capacity to make sure that our readers and advertisers are completely satisfied with our product.
Our sales have increased greatly through Dave’s efforts and dedication.
Ashley Dawson
News Editor
Delaware State News
Results
The Delaware State News has been on a pace of one or more special sections per month for quite some time now and Ashley has been the editorial champion for almost all of them and we have had a number of successes.
The Kent and Sussex County Profiles would top the list of special undertakings in the past year. Each requires extraordinary attention to detail and strong communication with county agencies and community organizations.
The "Best Friends" section was a unique accomplishment, in that most of the photos were contributed by readers. The "cover dog" was voted on by followers of the Delaware State News' Facebook page.
Jaclyn Fuller
Operation Support Manager
Delaware Printing Company
Leadership_SharedLeadership
As the Operations Support Manager, Jaclyn Fuller continually strives for perfection. Her attention to detail, positive attitude and perseverance in demanding situations are just a few of her many outstanding attribute. When faced with a difficult situation, she makes an immediate assessment, identifies a clear plan of attack and takes the most logical course of action, which consistently leads to an outstanding outcome.
She developed a control system for the processing of incoming inserts and as a result inserts delivered to our facility from outside sources are accurately accounted for.
Jaclyn motivates her fellow workers by projecting a positive attitude and a "can do" approach to all tasks. With the recent reduction in manpower, she has trained others on mailing and billing procedures. As a result, workers that would not normally have this knowledge can operate within an expanded function capacity, thereby reducing operating expenses by doing more with less and adding to the bottom line.
Craig Horleman
Copy Editor
Delaware State News
Jim Miller Award
Every Friday in the Delaware State News, readers turn to the "Best Bets" in the "Finally Friday" section for an excellent collection of events and activities. Craig Horleman writes this faithfully each week in between the demands of editing copy and writing headlines. Each column begins with a fun, engaging interview with an entertainer, whether it's a local artist or a celebrity such as Jeff Foxworthy or a Guatemalan trapeze artist coming to town with the circus. The writing is short, bright and engaging.
We have heard many times over that Craig's "Best Bets" work has put people in the seats of local venues. Indeed, his writing makes it fun to know what the weekend entertainment options are while offering some insight into the people behind the productions. It's great that we are building community successes by building interest with Craig's column each week.
The Friday editions of the Delaware State News usually sell well on the newsstands each week, and we believe it is due in large part to the popularity of our "Finally Friday" section.
Dave Hughes
Copy Editor
Delaware State News
Results
Dave Hughes is a daily safety net for our editorial team. As a full-time copy editor, he is the primary person reading and headlining reporters' stories and paginating news pages. Nightly, he helps us achieve a high standard of quality with attention to detail and the organizational skills needed on our copy desk. He is there catching typos, misspelled names, overlooked attribution, etc., on a daily basis.
Sometimes, the greatest praise a copy editor receives is silence. When they've done a good job, they often do not hear from anyone. Most, like Dave, understand that is the way it is.
But, with this award, we hopefully can make up some for that and let him know that his work truly is appreciated!
Leroy Kline
Delivery Service Specialist
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Leroy volunteers and looks for things that need to be done in order to assist the team in any way possible. He is conscientious and meticulous about his job; very detail oriented. Leroy will go the extra mile to make sure everything is the way it should be. He is very reliable, dependable, and willing to come in if needed when routes go down; many times working 7 days a week until new carriers are signed.
With Leroy's willingness to handle more than one route, we have been able to get papers delivered on time that otherwise would have been late because of unexpected carrier issues.
Leroy is always on time, never leaves work unfinished, checks drop locations, offers ideas and suggestions, when he is finished delivering his routes he calls other down route specialists to see where they are and if they need help finishing their route. He helps to organize the carriers as they pick up their papers at the dock by arriving early to make sure all inserts are on the dock in the order they need to be and to make sure each bulk driver has the correct amount of papers and inserts.
Debra Luke
Credit/Collections Specialist
Corporate Offices
Leadership_SharedLeadership
Debra always has a positive attitude and is always willing to help others with billing and payment issues. She has instructed others how to locate and read payment details and billing notes on customer’s accounts so they are able to avoid re-contacting customers for payments which may have already been made.
Debra demonstrates to everyone that if you stay focused and on task all the work can be accomplished and deadlines met. Her attention to account details and taking care of the needs of our billed clients, her professional manner and great personality are all refreshing to employees and our customers.
Donald Matthews
Warehouse Manager
Delaware Printing Company
Teamwork
Donald is always busy doing something, either on the forklift retrieving or moving inserts for the finishing team, delivering packages to various departments or any one of the other duties he handles. He is not one to waste time. He sets a good example for all DPC team members with his strong work ethic. Donald is always kind and courteous with a positive attitude and he conducts himself in a professional manner around customers and employees alike. But no matter how busy he is, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow employee with just about anything and he never makes you feel like it is a burden.
Daniel Meisinger
Press Operator
Delaware Printing Company
Learning
Daniel began in the finishing department and quickly rose to team leader on the night shift. When a position became available in press, he decided to transfer. Starting as a stacker operator trainee, he quickly learned what he needed to know to operate the equipment efficiently and smoothly without any problems. From there he learned to operate the reel stands and began training as an assistant press operator. Due to his ability to learn quickly, when a position for press operator trainee opened up, he moved right in. He has now earned the job and title of press operator, which normally would require many more years of instruction.
Daniel is one of our "New Generation" of press operators who will help lead our next generation of press operators in the future of DPC. He is hard working, conscientious, and a quick learner.
Cyndy Paquette
Graphics Designer
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Cyndy creates results-driven ad designs that have helped our customers have successful advertising campaigns creating everlasting customers. She consistently handles a large number of ads and special projects each week turning out effective spec ads in a quick turnaround time giving Ad Managers a complete presentation for their customers making it easier for them to close the sale.
Our advertisers love her ad designs and she is comfortable working directly with the customers as necessary providing good customer service. She has won numerous MDDC Advertising Contest awards.
She has been the key individual to train several new Graphic Specialists on the processes unique to our company and on the finer points of the ad design software they use every day. In addition, she regularly shares her design knowledge with the local sales team to help them improve their job skills. Cyndy shows maturity in balancing when to handle challenges herself and when to seek assistance from her team leader.
Larry Ross
Insert Machine Feeder
Delaware Printing Company
Learning
Larry demonstrates a strong work ethics, a positive attitude and an ability to quickly learn and perform the many tasks within the finishing department. He continuously strives to learn every aspect of the department and when he learns it he works hard to be the best at it. If we are shorthanded, Larry takes it upon himself to position himself on the most difficult station.
Once Larry learns how to perform a task, he is able to train others on the same task. He is quick to show them what works for him in order to quickly complete the task and then he sticks with them patiently teaching them how to be efficient and organized.
When things get tough and the jobs are stacking up, Larry upholds an enthusiastic attitude and rallies the other members of his team. It is rare to find someone with such a refreshing outlook when doing the physically demanding job required in the finishing department of a printing plant.
Larry once made this comment to his team leader when he stepped over to Larry’s station to assist him (not that he needed it) “Mr. Ray, I got this I want you to know that I have this covered and I feel that if you’re here with me, then I'm not doing my job.” The team leader gave Larry a nod and a smile and was on his way.
Dianna Sellers
Customer Services Representative
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Dianna goes above and beyond every day to assist each area in the department. Because she’s learned nearly every aspect of the services department, she can easily jump “seats” and fill in wherever necessary.
Dianna is usually the first to volunteer to work the early shift, weekends, or holidays. Because of her flexibility, she’s typically the first one asked when a special assignment comes along – covering the advertising assistance’s desk while she was on vacation, and helping with order entry for the telemarketing team are two good examples.
She is a valuable asset to our department, and sets the example for how teamwork should be accomplished daily.
FLORIDA
Patty Brant
Managing Editor
Caloosa Belle
Commitment
Patty is all about LaBelle and demonstrates a deep commitment to serving the community through her steady presence as an editor, supporter of the Caloosa Belle and a community leader. She has been unwavering in her involvement and constancy of purpose as an ambassador and as a caring community journalist. She works long hours without complaining or even thinking of taking a day off. She even comes in on the weekend to take pictures of different events in LaBelle.
The community loves Patty and everyone knows who she is and where she works. She is a positive force for the paper in the LaBelle community
Patty serves on several community committees and is a leader there too. She’s not afraid to take the reins and move things along. She has also been the driving force in forming the LaBelle Writers Club.
Katrina Elsken
Editor
Okeechobee News
Commitment
Over the past year, Katrina has shown once again that she is a devoted community journalist, deeply committed to serving readers in Okeechobee and helping our company succeed. Katrina takes ownership of providing quality coverage using our limited resources in the best interest of readers and citizens.
Katrina is a longtime veteran but still seems eager every day to put out a great product, not only with each edition of the newspaper but also with the paper’s internet and Facebook presence.
This year, she helped create the entertainment supplement, GO, and she has been championing the effort to the staff and to community and area contacts. She obviously still loves journalism and the day to day challenges.
Katrina helps and guides staff and gives them autonomy, but is also never afraid to step in to help or even do it herself if it means giving the community coverage. That’s particularly true with community events on weekends, which Katrina regularly attends and covers. It’s clear that Katrina believes in the journalistic values and mission of the company.
Jean McNeeley
Ad Services Specialist
Okeechobee News
Teamwork
No one at the Okeechobee News is friendlier, more eager to help customers, or as consistently even keeled as Jean.
Prior to last year, Jean’s job had been largely working the Okeechobee front counter desk: greeting customers, handling classified or circulation issues, selling celebration ads, routing calls, solving any problem that came to her with grace and charm. Now, since the unfortunate departure (and sad passing away) of former rep Linda Bridges, Jean has become an active and important member of the ad service team. When we began operating with one less rep, Jean stepped in and began learning what was need to help support advertising consultant Diana Whitehall. Much of this involved really digging and mastering critical details. Above all, Jean took the same cooperative, friendly and THOROUGH approach to these important ad service tasks as she does for all of her work. Jean showed not only an eagerness and willingness to help, but she has become darn good at it, too. In fact, everyone who works with Jean would probably agree that she could qualify for excellence not only in “teamwork” but also “commitment” and “learning” as well!
The Okeechobee team is proud to call Jean their colleague.
Jenny Woods
Copy Editor
South Lake Office
Results
Jenny is passionate about her work and that is evident in finished product. Like any dedicated artist, she is never truly happy with her work, and pushes herself to do better; outdoing the only person she competes with: herself.
While Jenny has not been with the company long, she has made a big impact on upgrading the graphical appeal of South Lake niche products, especially the Hendry Guide. She has been a big part of making these guides really stand out with a magazine like quality, and this clearly has contributed to the excellent revenue success our guides have enjoyed.
Last year Jenny made important contributions to the guide book -- this year she put it together single-handedly. Coupled with the effort put forth by our advertising team, the book is an achievement. It is an elegant and impressive display of the excellence that INI workers are capable of when they are passionate about their work. Jenny also did a great job with the design work for Hendry Glades Regional Medical Center in creating their annual shareholder’s report.
Jose Zaragoza
South Lake Publisher
South Lake Office
Learning
Jose sets an example for us all in his commitment to learning and growth. Since taking on the role of leader of the South Lake team, Jose has had to learn many new things, including the business side of the operation and advertising. He has a thirst to acquire skills and knowledge that can help us become more than a community newspaper. Jose isn’t afraid to admit he doesn’t know something, but he will quickly make an effort to find out and learn about it. That’s especially true if it is something that improves how we are fulfilling our mission, or expands our opportunities. Jose also encourages everyone in the office to learn and grow leading by example.
He wears many hats in the office as well as the community, and everyone that works in the office for Jose gets opportunities to take on new things. An example of Jose’s eagerness to learn is how he brought the use of video and streaming video to our office. He learned about setting up mobile WIFI hot spots, and we acquired the equipment necessary to pull this off and actually broadcast video streams live from local high school football games. There are many challenges with this, but Jose sees opportunities where we can learn and find new ways to serve readers and advertisers.
Another example we see in the Clewiston office is the quick development and growth of our Facebook page for the Clewiston News and its use by the community.
The recipients of the 2012 Excellence Awards are listed below in alphabetical order by region.
ARIZONA
Robert Giarraputo
Production Manager
Valley Printing
Commitment
Rob's dedication 24/7 to keeping things running as smoothly as possible with the added phases of our printing operation speaks highly of his commitment to Valley Newspapers.
Rob has worked tirelessly over the past two year on a project that has resulted in a 10 year contract with our first ever daily newspaper, the Wall Street Journal....and all of the accompanying projects that go with it...press installation, inserting and mailing machines, expanded personnel and scheduling, problem solving in all areas. His efforts have helped to secure a position as the newspaper printer of choice in the industry for Valley Newspapers.
Rob's patience in dealing with issues, and his commitment to a cause, inspires others that this is not just a job, but an adventure that we can all be excited about.
Brian Keller
Advertising Manager
North Valley Office
Courtesy_EthicalStandards
Brian is always respectful to his co-workers and clients, striving to make the paper and his clients a success. His positive attitude is uplifting and encouraging, showing everyone that with continuous hard work we can make the paper and our customers a success.
Brian “pounds the pavement” everyday to bring in new clients, while still working closely with and meeting the needs of his regular customers in this tough economy. Brian's sales numbers have always been impressive, which is an inspiration to everyone in the Valley office.
Brian is always personable, even when he has a ton of work. He makes everyone feel like a TEAM!
Scott Taylor
Advertising Manager
East Valley Office
Commitment
Scott's commitment to INI is an inspiration to his fellow co-workers. It is refreshing to see his positive attitude day after day even when the sale might not always go his way. Scott follows through in everything that he does. He can be counted on to be there until the end.
Scott always goes above and beyond for each and every account that he handles. This has resulted in acquiring and retaining accounts that might not have otherwise chose our products. He is also an award winning cartoonist, and to give an advertiser a unique edge with their advertising he offered to do a comic strip within their ad on a weekly basis at no additional charge to them.
He is always the first one to step up to volunteer to cover a story or snap a photo even though he is a salesperson. He understands that taking ownership means making the whole team successful. He attends many networking events in order to keep the INI brand out there and fresh in advertisers’ minds.
DELMARVA
Dave Cannon
Advertising Manager
Dorchester Banner
Results
Dave always demonstrates a great attitude and puts the paper first in his daily activities. Advertisers refer to him as a real salesperson. He always has a professional attitude, appearance and knows newspaper advertising in spite of the fact that he has been at the job only a short time.
He has regained the trust of our advertisers and is a goodwill ambassador for the Dorchester Banner and Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA.
Dave is always willing to help out in any capacity to make sure that our readers and advertisers are completely satisfied with our product.
Our sales have increased greatly through Dave’s efforts and dedication.
Ashley Dawson
News Editor
Delaware State News
Results
The Delaware State News has been on a pace of one or more special sections per month for quite some time now and Ashley has been the editorial champion for almost all of them and we have had a number of successes.
The Kent and Sussex County Profiles would top the list of special undertakings in the past year. Each requires extraordinary attention to detail and strong communication with county agencies and community organizations.
The "Best Friends" section was a unique accomplishment, in that most of the photos were contributed by readers. The "cover dog" was voted on by followers of the Delaware State News' Facebook page.
Jaclyn Fuller
Operation Support Manager
Delaware Printing Company
Leadership_SharedLeadership
As the Operations Support Manager, Jaclyn Fuller continually strives for perfection. Her attention to detail, positive attitude and perseverance in demanding situations are just a few of her many outstanding attribute. When faced with a difficult situation, she makes an immediate assessment, identifies a clear plan of attack and takes the most logical course of action, which consistently leads to an outstanding outcome.
She developed a control system for the processing of incoming inserts and as a result inserts delivered to our facility from outside sources are accurately accounted for.
Jaclyn motivates her fellow workers by projecting a positive attitude and a "can do" approach to all tasks. With the recent reduction in manpower, she has trained others on mailing and billing procedures. As a result, workers that would not normally have this knowledge can operate within an expanded function capacity, thereby reducing operating expenses by doing more with less and adding to the bottom line.
Craig Horleman
Copy Editor
Delaware State News
Jim Miller Award
Every Friday in the Delaware State News, readers turn to the "Best Bets" in the "Finally Friday" section for an excellent collection of events and activities. Craig Horleman writes this faithfully each week in between the demands of editing copy and writing headlines. Each column begins with a fun, engaging interview with an entertainer, whether it's a local artist or a celebrity such as Jeff Foxworthy or a Guatemalan trapeze artist coming to town with the circus. The writing is short, bright and engaging.
We have heard many times over that Craig's "Best Bets" work has put people in the seats of local venues. Indeed, his writing makes it fun to know what the weekend entertainment options are while offering some insight into the people behind the productions. It's great that we are building community successes by building interest with Craig's column each week.
The Friday editions of the Delaware State News usually sell well on the newsstands each week, and we believe it is due in large part to the popularity of our "Finally Friday" section.
Dave Hughes
Copy Editor
Delaware State News
Results
Dave Hughes is a daily safety net for our editorial team. As a full-time copy editor, he is the primary person reading and headlining reporters' stories and paginating news pages. Nightly, he helps us achieve a high standard of quality with attention to detail and the organizational skills needed on our copy desk. He is there catching typos, misspelled names, overlooked attribution, etc., on a daily basis.
Sometimes, the greatest praise a copy editor receives is silence. When they've done a good job, they often do not hear from anyone. Most, like Dave, understand that is the way it is.
But, with this award, we hopefully can make up some for that and let him know that his work truly is appreciated!
Leroy Kline
Delivery Service Specialist
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Leroy volunteers and looks for things that need to be done in order to assist the team in any way possible. He is conscientious and meticulous about his job; very detail oriented. Leroy will go the extra mile to make sure everything is the way it should be. He is very reliable, dependable, and willing to come in if needed when routes go down; many times working 7 days a week until new carriers are signed.
With Leroy's willingness to handle more than one route, we have been able to get papers delivered on time that otherwise would have been late because of unexpected carrier issues.
Leroy is always on time, never leaves work unfinished, checks drop locations, offers ideas and suggestions, when he is finished delivering his routes he calls other down route specialists to see where they are and if they need help finishing their route. He helps to organize the carriers as they pick up their papers at the dock by arriving early to make sure all inserts are on the dock in the order they need to be and to make sure each bulk driver has the correct amount of papers and inserts.
Debra Luke
Credit/Collections Specialist
Corporate Offices
Leadership_SharedLeadership
Debra always has a positive attitude and is always willing to help others with billing and payment issues. She has instructed others how to locate and read payment details and billing notes on customer’s accounts so they are able to avoid re-contacting customers for payments which may have already been made.
Debra demonstrates to everyone that if you stay focused and on task all the work can be accomplished and deadlines met. Her attention to account details and taking care of the needs of our billed clients, her professional manner and great personality are all refreshing to employees and our customers.
Donald Matthews
Warehouse Manager
Delaware Printing Company
Teamwork
Donald is always busy doing something, either on the forklift retrieving or moving inserts for the finishing team, delivering packages to various departments or any one of the other duties he handles. He is not one to waste time. He sets a good example for all DPC team members with his strong work ethic. Donald is always kind and courteous with a positive attitude and he conducts himself in a professional manner around customers and employees alike. But no matter how busy he is, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow employee with just about anything and he never makes you feel like it is a burden.
Daniel Meisinger
Press Operator
Delaware Printing Company
Learning
Daniel began in the finishing department and quickly rose to team leader on the night shift. When a position became available in press, he decided to transfer. Starting as a stacker operator trainee, he quickly learned what he needed to know to operate the equipment efficiently and smoothly without any problems. From there he learned to operate the reel stands and began training as an assistant press operator. Due to his ability to learn quickly, when a position for press operator trainee opened up, he moved right in. He has now earned the job and title of press operator, which normally would require many more years of instruction.
Daniel is one of our "New Generation" of press operators who will help lead our next generation of press operators in the future of DPC. He is hard working, conscientious, and a quick learner.
Cyndy Paquette
Graphics Designer
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Cyndy creates results-driven ad designs that have helped our customers have successful advertising campaigns creating everlasting customers. She consistently handles a large number of ads and special projects each week turning out effective spec ads in a quick turnaround time giving Ad Managers a complete presentation for their customers making it easier for them to close the sale.
Our advertisers love her ad designs and she is comfortable working directly with the customers as necessary providing good customer service. She has won numerous MDDC Advertising Contest awards.
She has been the key individual to train several new Graphic Specialists on the processes unique to our company and on the finer points of the ad design software they use every day. In addition, she regularly shares her design knowledge with the local sales team to help them improve their job skills. Cyndy shows maturity in balancing when to handle challenges herself and when to seek assistance from her team leader.
Larry Ross
Insert Machine Feeder
Delaware Printing Company
Learning
Larry demonstrates a strong work ethics, a positive attitude and an ability to quickly learn and perform the many tasks within the finishing department. He continuously strives to learn every aspect of the department and when he learns it he works hard to be the best at it. If we are shorthanded, Larry takes it upon himself to position himself on the most difficult station.
Once Larry learns how to perform a task, he is able to train others on the same task. He is quick to show them what works for him in order to quickly complete the task and then he sticks with them patiently teaching them how to be efficient and organized.
When things get tough and the jobs are stacking up, Larry upholds an enthusiastic attitude and rallies the other members of his team. It is rare to find someone with such a refreshing outlook when doing the physically demanding job required in the finishing department of a printing plant.
Larry once made this comment to his team leader when he stepped over to Larry’s station to assist him (not that he needed it) “Mr. Ray, I got this I want you to know that I have this covered and I feel that if you’re here with me, then I'm not doing my job.” The team leader gave Larry a nod and a smile and was on his way.
Dianna Sellers
Customer Services Representative
Delaware State News
Teamwork
Dianna goes above and beyond every day to assist each area in the department. Because she’s learned nearly every aspect of the services department, she can easily jump “seats” and fill in wherever necessary.
Dianna is usually the first to volunteer to work the early shift, weekends, or holidays. Because of her flexibility, she’s typically the first one asked when a special assignment comes along – covering the advertising assistance’s desk while she was on vacation, and helping with order entry for the telemarketing team are two good examples.
She is a valuable asset to our department, and sets the example for how teamwork should be accomplished daily.
FLORIDA
Patty Brant
Managing Editor
Caloosa Belle
Commitment
Patty is all about LaBelle and demonstrates a deep commitment to serving the community through her steady presence as an editor, supporter of the Caloosa Belle and a community leader. She has been unwavering in her involvement and constancy of purpose as an ambassador and as a caring community journalist. She works long hours without complaining or even thinking of taking a day off. She even comes in on the weekend to take pictures of different events in LaBelle.
The community loves Patty and everyone knows who she is and where she works. She is a positive force for the paper in the LaBelle community
Patty serves on several community committees and is a leader there too. She’s not afraid to take the reins and move things along. She has also been the driving force in forming the LaBelle Writers Club.
Katrina Elsken
Editor
Okeechobee News
Commitment
Over the past year, Katrina has shown once again that she is a devoted community journalist, deeply committed to serving readers in Okeechobee and helping our company succeed. Katrina takes ownership of providing quality coverage using our limited resources in the best interest of readers and citizens.
Katrina is a longtime veteran but still seems eager every day to put out a great product, not only with each edition of the newspaper but also with the paper’s internet and Facebook presence.
This year, she helped create the entertainment supplement, GO, and she has been championing the effort to the staff and to community and area contacts. She obviously still loves journalism and the day to day challenges.
Katrina helps and guides staff and gives them autonomy, but is also never afraid to step in to help or even do it herself if it means giving the community coverage. That’s particularly true with community events on weekends, which Katrina regularly attends and covers. It’s clear that Katrina believes in the journalistic values and mission of the company.
Jean McNeeley
Ad Services Specialist
Okeechobee News
Teamwork
No one at the Okeechobee News is friendlier, more eager to help customers, or as consistently even keeled as Jean.
Prior to last year, Jean’s job had been largely working the Okeechobee front counter desk: greeting customers, handling classified or circulation issues, selling celebration ads, routing calls, solving any problem that came to her with grace and charm. Now, since the unfortunate departure (and sad passing away) of former rep Linda Bridges, Jean has become an active and important member of the ad service team. When we began operating with one less rep, Jean stepped in and began learning what was need to help support advertising consultant Diana Whitehall. Much of this involved really digging and mastering critical details. Above all, Jean took the same cooperative, friendly and THOROUGH approach to these important ad service tasks as she does for all of her work. Jean showed not only an eagerness and willingness to help, but she has become darn good at it, too. In fact, everyone who works with Jean would probably agree that she could qualify for excellence not only in “teamwork” but also “commitment” and “learning” as well!
The Okeechobee team is proud to call Jean their colleague.
Jenny Woods
Copy Editor
South Lake Office
Results
Jenny is passionate about her work and that is evident in finished product. Like any dedicated artist, she is never truly happy with her work, and pushes herself to do better; outdoing the only person she competes with: herself.
While Jenny has not been with the company long, she has made a big impact on upgrading the graphical appeal of South Lake niche products, especially the Hendry Guide. She has been a big part of making these guides really stand out with a magazine like quality, and this clearly has contributed to the excellent revenue success our guides have enjoyed.
Last year Jenny made important contributions to the guide book -- this year she put it together single-handedly. Coupled with the effort put forth by our advertising team, the book is an achievement. It is an elegant and impressive display of the excellence that INI workers are capable of when they are passionate about their work. Jenny also did a great job with the design work for Hendry Glades Regional Medical Center in creating their annual shareholder’s report.
Jose Zaragoza
South Lake Publisher
South Lake Office
Learning
Jose sets an example for us all in his commitment to learning and growth. Since taking on the role of leader of the South Lake team, Jose has had to learn many new things, including the business side of the operation and advertising. He has a thirst to acquire skills and knowledge that can help us become more than a community newspaper. Jose isn’t afraid to admit he doesn’t know something, but he will quickly make an effort to find out and learn about it. That’s especially true if it is something that improves how we are fulfilling our mission, or expands our opportunities. Jose also encourages everyone in the office to learn and grow leading by example.
He wears many hats in the office as well as the community, and everyone that works in the office for Jose gets opportunities to take on new things. An example of Jose’s eagerness to learn is how he brought the use of video and streaming video to our office. He learned about setting up mobile WIFI hot spots, and we acquired the equipment necessary to pull this off and actually broadcast video streams live from local high school football games. There are many challenges with this, but Jose sees opportunities where we can learn and find new ways to serve readers and advertisers.
Another example we see in the Clewiston office is the quick development and growth of our Facebook page for the Clewiston News and its use by the community.
Excellence Award Recipients thru 2012
(Active Employees ONLY)
A. Charles Adams (leadership/shared leadership), Karla Akmentins (teamwork), Toni Ayers (Commitment & Results),
B. Phil Bisesi (results and commitment), Jamie-Leigh Bissett (Commitment), Dan Breedlove (leadership), Tom Bugbee (courtesy/ethical standards) (Leadership 2007), Tim Buzzard (Self-Management), Tom Byrd (leadership), Lisa Bryner (team award Teamwork), Angie Bridges (Teamwork), Patty Brant (Commitment),
C. Barbara Calfee (commitment)(teamwork) (Results ’08), Dave Chambers (Results), Don Clendaniel (leadership), Sheila Clendaniel (commitment), Dan Corcoran (results), Heather Cregar (teamwork) (Commitment ’08)(Results), Richard Crumbacker (Commitment), Dale Conyers (teamwork)(Learning), Jeremy Carr (courtesy/ethical standards), Fran Callaway (results), Duane Clark (Leadership/Shared Leadership), Jena Connor (Learning), Dave Cannon (Results),
D. James Daisey (commitment; teamwork), Debbie Devlin (self management), Kristin Doetsch (Self Management, Teamwork ‘11), Barbara Drummer (self management), Ed Dulin (leadership), Richard Dyer (teamwork)(Leadership/Shared Leadership), Bill Dodd (commitment), Ashley Dawson (Results),
E. Katrina Elsken (leadership/shared leadership)(Commitment 2012), Burkey Emmons (Teamwork) (Results ’09), Katie Erickson (teamwork), Jessica Eisenbrey (Purposeful Newspapers),
F. Wanda Ford-Waring (leadership), Jaclyn Fuller (Courtesy/Ethical Standards)(Results)(Leadership/Shared Leadership 2012), Debra Friedl (Teamwork),
G. Tim Gary (results), Marty Gillard (teamwork)(Teamwork ’05), Gwen Guerke (purposeful newspapers), Yolibet Garelick (commitment) (Learning ’08), Rob Giarraputo (Commitment),
H. Dee Hamilton (Results) (purposeful newspapers ’09), Debbie Hanson (commitment), Toni Hewes (self management) (teamwork 2007)(results ’09), Craig Horleman (purposeful newspapers; self-management)(Jim Miller Award 2012), Angela Hicks (teamwork, Learning ‘11), Sharon Harvey (teamwork), Ann Hines (teamwork), Dave Hughes (Results),
I. - None -
J. Donny Jacobs (Self Management),
K. Jennifer Keim (learning), Lori Kircher (leadership/shared leadership) (self-management ’09), Kelsie Knight (teamwork) (commitment ‘05), VaRonda Kreiger-Krusemark (Self Management), Eric Kopp (Jim Miller Award), Brian Keller (Results)(Courtesy/Ethical Standards 2012), Norma Kilpatrick (Teamwork), Leroy Kline (Teamwork),
L. Darel LaPrade (commitment & leadership/shared leadership, Janet Levy (teamwork), Roger Leslie (commitment), Debra Luke (team award Teamwork)(Leadership/Shared Leadership 2012), Jillian Lontz (Learning),
M. Janet Madray (commitment),Cyndi Maki-Eldred (courtesy & ethical standards) (results ’09), Rita Maier (teamwork), Bob Martin (teamwork), Zenaida Matute (Self Management), Bret McKeand (leadership), Jean McNeeley (courtesy/ethical standards)(Teamwork 2012), Vicki Meades-Brown (learning) (Results ’08), Danielle Musser (leadership), Debbie Myers (teamwork) (Commitment), Dave Melvin (teamwork), Bonnie Mankin (Results), Amy McKown (Resuults), Donald Matthews (Teamwork), Daniel Meisinger (Learning),
N. – Richard Naughton (Results, Self Management ‘11),
O. – Maria Orozco (Teamwork),
P. Kitt Parker (Results)(Commitment), Charlene Patti-Bisson (Leadership/Shared Leadership) (purposeful journalism), Tina Pendexter (Learning) (teamwork), Matt Porterfield (Courtesy/Ethical Standards), Zed Postles (Commitment),Darin Powell (Leadership/shared leadership, Learning ‘11), Jasper Purnell (Commitment) (courtesy & ethical standards), Franklin Doug Powell (Commitment), Cyndy Paquette (Team Work),
Q. - None -
R. Armando Ramirez (teamwork), David Rehkamp (commitment), Jack Redman (commitment), Glenn Rolfe (Jim Miller Award)(Results 2007), Diane Runion (Results), Vicki Rosado (results), Larry Ross (Learning),
S. Linda Sabo (commitment), John Salvate (Shared Leadership), Steve Steinke (leadership), Sandi Stokes (leadership), Tim Spong (results), Sheryle Sussman (teamwork), Kay Sheedy (Results), Dianna Sellers (Teamwork),
T. Terrance Thornton (Jim Miller Award)(Purposeful Newspapers), Marc Tropio (commitment)(Teamwork 2007), Diane Timmons (Teamwork, Results ‘11), D Scott Taylor (Commitment),
U. - None -
V. Michelle (Benton) Vinson (leadership)
W. Andy Walter (purposeful newspapers), Andy West (leadership), Diana Whitehall (Courtesy/Ethical standards), Chris Williams (Results), Sylvia Windsor (commitment)(self-management 2007), Jen Wright (commitment), Jenny Wood (Results),
X. - None -
Y. None -
Z. – Jose Zaragoza (leadership/shared leadership)(Learning 2012),
A. Charles Adams (leadership/shared leadership), Karla Akmentins (teamwork), Toni Ayers (Commitment & Results),
B. Phil Bisesi (results and commitment), Jamie-Leigh Bissett (Commitment), Dan Breedlove (leadership), Tom Bugbee (courtesy/ethical standards) (Leadership 2007), Tim Buzzard (Self-Management), Tom Byrd (leadership), Lisa Bryner (team award Teamwork), Angie Bridges (Teamwork), Patty Brant (Commitment),
C. Barbara Calfee (commitment)(teamwork) (Results ’08), Dave Chambers (Results), Don Clendaniel (leadership), Sheila Clendaniel (commitment), Dan Corcoran (results), Heather Cregar (teamwork) (Commitment ’08)(Results), Richard Crumbacker (Commitment), Dale Conyers (teamwork)(Learning), Jeremy Carr (courtesy/ethical standards), Fran Callaway (results), Duane Clark (Leadership/Shared Leadership), Jena Connor (Learning), Dave Cannon (Results),
D. James Daisey (commitment; teamwork), Debbie Devlin (self management), Kristin Doetsch (Self Management, Teamwork ‘11), Barbara Drummer (self management), Ed Dulin (leadership), Richard Dyer (teamwork)(Leadership/Shared Leadership), Bill Dodd (commitment), Ashley Dawson (Results),
E. Katrina Elsken (leadership/shared leadership)(Commitment 2012), Burkey Emmons (Teamwork) (Results ’09), Katie Erickson (teamwork), Jessica Eisenbrey (Purposeful Newspapers),
F. Wanda Ford-Waring (leadership), Jaclyn Fuller (Courtesy/Ethical Standards)(Results)(Leadership/Shared Leadership 2012), Debra Friedl (Teamwork),
G. Tim Gary (results), Marty Gillard (teamwork)(Teamwork ’05), Gwen Guerke (purposeful newspapers), Yolibet Garelick (commitment) (Learning ’08), Rob Giarraputo (Commitment),
H. Dee Hamilton (Results) (purposeful newspapers ’09), Debbie Hanson (commitment), Toni Hewes (self management) (teamwork 2007)(results ’09), Craig Horleman (purposeful newspapers; self-management)(Jim Miller Award 2012), Angela Hicks (teamwork, Learning ‘11), Sharon Harvey (teamwork), Ann Hines (teamwork), Dave Hughes (Results),
I. - None -
J. Donny Jacobs (Self Management),
K. Jennifer Keim (learning), Lori Kircher (leadership/shared leadership) (self-management ’09), Kelsie Knight (teamwork) (commitment ‘05), VaRonda Kreiger-Krusemark (Self Management), Eric Kopp (Jim Miller Award), Brian Keller (Results)(Courtesy/Ethical Standards 2012), Norma Kilpatrick (Teamwork), Leroy Kline (Teamwork),
L. Darel LaPrade (commitment & leadership/shared leadership, Janet Levy (teamwork), Roger Leslie (commitment), Debra Luke (team award Teamwork)(Leadership/Shared Leadership 2012), Jillian Lontz (Learning),
M. Janet Madray (commitment),Cyndi Maki-Eldred (courtesy & ethical standards) (results ’09), Rita Maier (teamwork), Bob Martin (teamwork), Zenaida Matute (Self Management), Bret McKeand (leadership), Jean McNeeley (courtesy/ethical standards)(Teamwork 2012), Vicki Meades-Brown (learning) (Results ’08), Danielle Musser (leadership), Debbie Myers (teamwork) (Commitment), Dave Melvin (teamwork), Bonnie Mankin (Results), Amy McKown (Resuults), Donald Matthews (Teamwork), Daniel Meisinger (Learning),
N. – Richard Naughton (Results, Self Management ‘11),
O. – Maria Orozco (Teamwork),
P. Kitt Parker (Results)(Commitment), Charlene Patti-Bisson (Leadership/Shared Leadership) (purposeful journalism), Tina Pendexter (Learning) (teamwork), Matt Porterfield (Courtesy/Ethical Standards), Zed Postles (Commitment),Darin Powell (Leadership/shared leadership, Learning ‘11), Jasper Purnell (Commitment) (courtesy & ethical standards), Franklin Doug Powell (Commitment), Cyndy Paquette (Team Work),
Q. - None -
R. Armando Ramirez (teamwork), David Rehkamp (commitment), Jack Redman (commitment), Glenn Rolfe (Jim Miller Award)(Results 2007), Diane Runion (Results), Vicki Rosado (results), Larry Ross (Learning),
S. Linda Sabo (commitment), John Salvate (Shared Leadership), Steve Steinke (leadership), Sandi Stokes (leadership), Tim Spong (results), Sheryle Sussman (teamwork), Kay Sheedy (Results), Dianna Sellers (Teamwork),
T. Terrance Thornton (Jim Miller Award)(Purposeful Newspapers), Marc Tropio (commitment)(Teamwork 2007), Diane Timmons (Teamwork, Results ‘11), D Scott Taylor (Commitment),
U. - None -
V. Michelle (Benton) Vinson (leadership)
W. Andy Walter (purposeful newspapers), Andy West (leadership), Diana Whitehall (Courtesy/Ethical standards), Chris Williams (Results), Sylvia Windsor (commitment)(self-management 2007), Jen Wright (commitment), Jenny Wood (Results),
X. - None -
Y. None -
Z. – Jose Zaragoza (leadership/shared leadership)(Learning 2012),
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Bitter Sweet Moments For DSN Distribution
The DSN distribution team welcomes Nichole Christopoulos as the new administrative clerk while also saying goodbye to Jennifer Meyers (seated in the back).
Nichole has two children, Izayah, age 13 and Rose, age 7. Since 2007 Nichole has worked as an Independent Contractor for the Delaware State News while also holding the position of accounting clerk for a local construction company. She is presently working on a degree in communications through the University of Phoenix.
Excellence Awards Receipients To Be Announced
The list of recipients for 2012 Excellence Awards has been finalized. Certificates and checks are being processed. The list will be posted in the March 22 edition of Press Lines.
After Reading Opinion, She Had A Change Of Heart
DOVER – Gene Thornton, a longtime advocate for the American Heart Association in Kent County, recently penned a guest opinion for the Delaware State News.
She discussed her experiences with “broken heart syndrome” and offered insights for others to better understand what she had been through.
Ms. Thornton followed up with a nice note to Managing Editor Andrew West about compliments she had received.
“I wanted to share one in particular with you that I just heard about a few minutes ago,” she wrote. “One of my mom’s friend’s daughters was scheduled for an Angioplasty. She was afraid and didn’t know what to expect. She read my Op Ed on Sunday before her procedure on Monday. She said it put her mind at ease and really helped her through it.
“Isn’t that wonderful? If you can touch just one person, it makes it all worthwhile.”
She discussed her experiences with “broken heart syndrome” and offered insights for others to better understand what she had been through.
Ms. Thornton followed up with a nice note to Managing Editor Andrew West about compliments she had received.
“I wanted to share one in particular with you that I just heard about a few minutes ago,” she wrote. “One of my mom’s friend’s daughters was scheduled for an Angioplasty. She was afraid and didn’t know what to expect. She read my Op Ed on Sunday before her procedure on Monday. She said it put her mind at ease and really helped her through it.
“Isn’t that wonderful? If you can touch just one person, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Another Hat for Graphic Specialist Angi Hicks
Angi Hicks, Graphic Specialist for the Delaware Weeklies has added an award-winning chef’s hat to her wide collection of hats that she wears for our company. Angi took 4th place last week in the Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Chili Cook Off. Her vegetarian chili included “a little something that you just can’t quite place.” That secret ingredient was dark chocolate cocoa powder. Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! Congratulations to Angi on her win!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Newly-redesigned Newszap.com Opens to Public
In June, the new media team began a major overhaul of newszap.com, and last week, the first two sections of the newly-redesigned web site quietly opened to the public.
If you’ve not visited either http://delaware.newszap.com/ or http://maryland.newszap.com/, you are invited to check out the re-launched sites. As the Internet addresses imply, these sections serve our communities in Delaware and Maryland. Sections for Arizona and Florida will be launched in May.
From now on, visitors to newszap.com will receive daily local updates from our network of community newspapers along with a variety of photos and videos. Sports and entertainment news will give visitors scores and tips on where to go and what to do. Improvements to the calendars make them simpler to use and easier for visitors to submit events to be publicized on the site.
The site overall has a whole new look and feel. For simplicity, the new design consolidates many pages that were on the old site. No longer will a visitor find numerous, static “community home pages” – rather each state site now focuses on larger communities of interest.
For example, http://delaware.newszap.com/ is divided into Central Delaware and Southern Delaware; http://maryland.newszap.com/ offers a Cambridge-Dorchester page and a Crisfield-Somerset page. Each site has a home page that is dedicated to state or regional content.
Another significant change in the design is the integration of the public opinion forums into each state site. In the past, the forums maintained an Internet address separate from newszap.com. This “disconnect” not only made navigation between the pages awkward, but it also made it nearly impossible to measure accurately the number of people who visited the site.
And there is more: free online classifieds, employment and real estate ads, and all the retail ads from our newspapers, as well as our Yellow Page Directory. As the site grows, blogs will be added to provide different points of view and perspective.
Online advertising offers and packages have also been updated to reflect the latest creative guidelines from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. The Delmarva ad teams have an active and ongoing sales campaign under way, to fill a limited number of slots with ads. With several local ads on the site already, the campaign is beginning to gain momentum.
Darin Powell, INI’s content systems manager, has been the chief architect of the redesign.
“His contribution has been invaluable,” said Darel La Prade, VP for new media. “Darin has done all the heavy-lifting. At the beginning of this project, he helped conceive of the conceptual framework for the site, and then he rolled up his sleeves and immersed himself in learning the programming and coding necessary to make his designs come alive.”
Since March 1, without much fanfare and a minimum of promotion, more than 150 people have joined and become members of newszap.com. Registering on the site gives visitors and users the privilege of submitting calendar items, commenting on stories or blogs or participating in the public forums.
“While these initial numbers are but a small portion of the audience we aim to grow, it is nevertheless encouraging to see people expressing a tangible interest in our site,” La Prade said. “We believe this bodes well for newszap.com and the digital future of the company.”
Even though the Delaware and Maryland sites are now open for business, the new media team, in tandem with Delmarva news and advertising, plan to press forward with additional features and improvements.
“A web site is never finished; it is always a work in progress,” La Prade said. “We sincerely hope all of our employees will take the time to visit and become a member of the newszap.com community. We want and welcome their suggestions and comments on the site and how we can make it better.”
Scherie Dryzmalski Becomes Corporate Services Accounts Payable Specialist
Inter-departmental changes within Corporate Services has given two employees different job responsibilities. Scherie was previously the Bill Team’s casher. She moved to the accounting team after Jena Connor-Malago moved to the Tech Team as their Web Systems Specialist. Please note that all accounts payables-related questions/comments should be directed to Scherie at iniaccount@newszap.com
INDEPENDENT ASKS FOR FEEDBACK FROM EMPLOYEES
As we approach our annual medical benefits enrollment period, we want to know what you think about Wellness programs.
Many employers have launched employee wellness programs in recent years. Mid-size and small employers have aggressively been implementing wellness programs. The number one reason most companies implement wellness programs is to control healthcare costs, but it's not the only reason. Successful programs have proven valuable for other reasons:
• Reducing costs and lost work time related to short term disability;
• Reducing costs and lost work time related to Workers' Comp injuries;
• Improving productivity;
• Creating a positive, healthy workplace culture; and
• Demonstrating the employer's concern for its employees.
An online wellness survey has been specifically set up for Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA. The survey runs through March 10th. Your feedback is very important to INI, so please take time to complete the survey.
Responses to the survey will be received by Corporate Synergies, who will compile the results. ALL responses will be 100% confidential.
Click this link to begin the survey http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/815084/independent-newsmedia-wellness-survey
Email inipayroll@newszap.com should you have questions or problems with accessing the survey’s link.
Thank you for your participation in this feedback survey!
Many employers have launched employee wellness programs in recent years. Mid-size and small employers have aggressively been implementing wellness programs. The number one reason most companies implement wellness programs is to control healthcare costs, but it's not the only reason. Successful programs have proven valuable for other reasons:
• Reducing costs and lost work time related to short term disability;
• Reducing costs and lost work time related to Workers' Comp injuries;
• Improving productivity;
• Creating a positive, healthy workplace culture; and
• Demonstrating the employer's concern for its employees.
An online wellness survey has been specifically set up for Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA. The survey runs through March 10th. Your feedback is very important to INI, so please take time to complete the survey.
Responses to the survey will be received by Corporate Synergies, who will compile the results. ALL responses will be 100% confidential.
Click this link to begin the survey http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/815084/independent-newsmedia-wellness-survey
Email inipayroll@newszap.com should you have questions or problems with accessing the survey’s link.
Thank you for your participation in this feedback survey!
West Valley Publications Help Salvation Army
Salvation Army officials lauded the Independent’s West Valley publications during their annual awards ceremony Feb. 29. The group’s volunteer coordinator said it gained 67 new volunteers during the year and gave much of the credit to Independent, saying whenever they needed something in the newspapers about needing volunteers, it got in. While she singled out News Editor Rusty Bradshaw for praise at the awards ceremony, most of the contact is with News Services Editor Jeremy Carr.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Lost Dutchman Days Section A Big Success
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| It can be seen at http://specialsections.newszap.com/ |
The special section was produced by the newspaper for an all-volunteer Lost Dutchman Days Committee. Staff members who helped produce the newspaper included: Deb Crotzer, advertising services; Sandy Heath and Scott Taylor, advertising representatives; Tina Pendexter, business manager; Alexander Foote and Nora Heston, editorial staff members; and Richard Dyer, guide editor.
Tina and Richard also attended many of the volunteer committee’s meetings beginning in September.
The annual event celebrates a lost gold mine of the 1890s that is believed to be in the Superstition Mountains adjacent to the city of Apache Junction. Advance to 2012 and it is celebrated with three days of rodeo, a carnival, parade, arts and crafts fair and other associated events.
This year, with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood, actors representing President Theodore Roosevelt and Gov. George W. P. Hunt were in the parade and spoke at various events.
Photos were snapped and the weekend’s activities will be reported on in the March 7 newspaper.
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| Photos were taken of a Thursday team-roping competition and annual bratwursts fundraising lunch for the Feb. 29 newspaper. |
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Independent staff members staffed the office’s booth Friday, Saturday and Sunday (including, from left, Deb and Nora). |
TPV Editor Involved In Hot Debate
The Town of Paradise Valley hosted a candidates’ debate Feb. 29 at the Town of Paradise Valley Town Hall. Editor Terrance Thornton, standing at the podium, served as the debate moderator. The debate's first hour featured four candidates vying for the town council, while the second hour featured the two mayoral candidates. The hotly contested mayoral race -- the first time in history that TPV voters are directly electing their mayor -- has generated a record amount of letters and forums posts for the newspaper. A standing-room crowd of nearly 150 people attended the event.
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