Janet Madray Honored by Okeechobee News Staff

Independent News Media Florida said a fond farewell to distribution manager Janet Madray last week, with a small gathering at the Okeechobee News office.

Janet joined INI/Okeechobee in February 1993 as circulation manager. From January 2001 to May 2005 she was the circulation manager and classified advertising manager. From May 12, 2005 to the present, she was distribution manager for the INI Florida group.

Janet, who decided to leave the newspaper business to work for her husband's business full time, said it was a tough decision but she felt it was the right one for her family.

"The newspaper was a blessing for me and for my family," she said. Despite all of times that newspaper circulation emergencies got her out of bed in the middle of the night, she said she will miss it.

Janet led the circulation department through some demanding times, taking the Okeechobee News from thrice-weekly to daily in 1992, and then back to three times a week after the economy was rocked by the real estate market collapse. She led the circulation team during the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, dealing with problems on the fly in order to get the newspapers to the public despite high winds, flooding and curfews mandated by local law enforcement. With much of the county left without electricity for days or weeks at a time, the print editions of the newspapers were more important than ever as a source of the local information.

“Few if any of our staffers have been as loyal and dedicated to serving the community through their work as Janet,”  said Tom Byrd, Florida group president.  “My hat’s off to her hard work and accomplishments, and all of us wish her well in this new chapter of her life.  We’re going to miss her, but know she won’t be a stranger.”

 



Janet enjoyed cake with her co-workers at the Okeechobee News on March 29. Her last day was March 30.

 

 

 

Janet was presented with a shadow box filled with items to remind her of her days at the newspaper office.