INIers making a difference companywide

By Charlene Bisson

 We’re off to a great start for the new fiscal year with lots of new newsroom, sales, and print initiatives. All INIers should celebrate their excellent contributions this past fiscal year, but here’s highlighting some of the top recent initiatives.

 It was the year of Valley Newspapers as it saw a tremendous growth with the closing of the Arizona Republic’s facility in October 2025. Valley Newspapers saw an overall growth of 30 percent. Congratulations to Rob Giarraputo, Mike Jacobs and Marc Tropio for closing so many commercial jobs.

 The Arizona newsroom is busy moderating City Council election forums. Tom Blodgett, J. Graber, Phil Haldiman and Janet Perez, hosted and co-hosted events in their respective cities. In all cases, they were asked to be the moderator, which speaks highly of their reputation as journalists in the communities they serve. People can read about all elections throughout the Phoenix-market by visiting yourvalley.net/arizona-voters-guide-2026/. Patrick O’Grady put the guide together.

 The Delmarva newsroom is knee-deep in several special section promotions, including, Sussex and Kent County profiles. Kaitlyn Cupelli graduated from Leadership Central Delaware, and Allan Ryder took over a production leadership role in the newsroom to assist Editor-in-Chief Andy West. Their collective goal is to increase our digital edition offerings for the Daily State News.

 Best of the Lake launched July 1 on LakeONews.com. This digital promotion has been well-received by the community, with hundreds of votes already throughout the various categories. We even had our first top sponsor sold this week, bringing in new digital and print revenue, while supporting the efforts of the LakeONews.com newsroom. A shout out to Kay Sheedy and Kris Schwartz for organizing the community initiative. The in-person awards event will be Oct. 1.

 Dover Con saw a 35% increase in sales and an increase in vendor participation this year despite the weather woes on the East Coast. While it was a team effort, thank you to Jessica Cook and Tonda Parks for leading the effort.

 A shout out to Wanda Ford-Waring, Rob Giarraputo, Kelsie Knight and Scherie Drzymalski for their extra efforts in closing the Dover location. Wanda and Rob made my life easier by being excellent team members throughout the difficult process. I look forward to celebrating our ribbon cutting in our new location set for Sept. 24.

 Finally, as we reflect on the past fiscal year, we want to thank our top companywide sales reps who not only bring in excellent numbers but increased sales year over year.

 Our top two sellers companywide were Rob Giarraputo and Mike Jacobs at Valley Newspapers.

 After that, the news divisions were Greg Garcia and Michelle Gavagan. The two brought in more than 40% increases to already strong numbers. As impressive as that was, they are both beating last year’s numbers in the new fiscal year for July, and it is only July 8. Their success is thanks to a solid pipeline, excellent customer service, and community outreach through networking.

 In Delmarva, our top reps were Roxanne Brooks and Cyndi Eldred and Kay Sheedy in Florida.

 Arizona and Florida have already beat their advertising numbers over last July, and not surprisingly Valley Newspapers.

 

Congratulations Kaitlyn Cupelli

 

Daily State News reporter Kaitlyn Cupelli, left, graduated from the Leadership Central Delaware in June. The program is designed to give rising business professionals a greater understanding of the area. It is an initiative of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.

401(k) Company Match Continues for Plan Year Beginning July 1, 2026

 Independent is pleased to announce that it will continue matching 50% of each employee's 401(k) contributions for the plan year beginning July 1, 2026, up to the annual company match limit of $650.

This means that an employee who contributes $1,300 or more during the plan year will receive the maximum company match, resulting in a total investment of at least $1,950 in their retirement account. The automatic enrollment salary deferral will continue at 4% for employees when they become eligible to participate in the Plan.

While some companies have chosen to reduce or suspend their 401(k) matching contributions, Independent remains committed to supporting our employees' financial future. Continuing the company match reflects our confidence in the strength and stability of the organization. The Board approved the 401(k) committee’s recommendation.  Independent’s 401(k) Committee includes: Charlene Bisson, CEO/President, Wanda Ford-Waring, CS Vice President & Plan Trustee, Nicole Millner, CS Accounting Manager and Kathleen Kotzbauer, Arizona Business Manager

Saving for retirement is more important than ever, and the 401(k) Plan remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term financial security.  NFP Retirement Services is Independent’s co-fiduciary who provides administration, investment consulting and other services to the employees.  NFP will be conducting one-on-one meetings to discuss retirement, financial wellness and other related topics of the 401(k) plan.  Schedule a meeting with NFP’s wealth management advisory at  https://go.oncehub.com/30minuteInitialConsultation .

If you have questions about the 401(k) Plan or how to invest, contact the NFP service team at 800-958-5124 (press 3) or email TPAEdge@exchange.principal.com . Independent’s contract/plan ID# is 7- 21638.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xoWXizbv7mcPSFy52Tgc3d1tpsz5bAgW/view?usp=sharing

Vacation Time

 Planning a vacation?  Please make sure you share the dates with payroll after your team leader has approved. Remember to enter the dates as VACTION on your timecard. 

Inspirational Quote - Michelle Obama

 

Use ADP as a resource center

 Did you know you can access so much right from ADP? 

On the home screen you can access the company website https://iniusa.org/ as well as all three regional websites; Delmarva – Arizona – Florida with just the click of your mouse.

There is information to reach payroll; corporate services and benefit resources center.  Need to contact Principal?  That is just a click away.

What is under the Resources tab?   Company Information.  Read Company Policies or search for Benefits Information, Sign Up Forms or Personnel Forms in the Forms Library.

July Anniversaries

 

7/1	10	YRS	Harden, Cheryl Mae	AZ Publications Advertising
7/1	10	YRS	Maurer, Erik Scott	AZ Publications Advertising
7/1	10	YRS	Navarrette, Mona Lisa	AZ Publications Advertising
7/1	10	YRS	Pitts, Christopher L	AZ Publications Advertising
7/1	10	YRS	Rodgers, Terri Lee	AZ Publications Circulation
7/1	4	YRS	Blodgett, Thomas L	AZ Publications Editorial
7/1	3	YRS	Winslett, Jonathan R	AZ Publications Editorial
7/1	10	YRS	Chernek, Stephen Ludwig	AZ Publications Editorial
7/1	10	YRS	Smith, Richard Lorenzo	AZ Publications Editorial
7/8	2	YRS	Bobbitt, Jamieson C	AZ Publications Advertising
7/16	2	YRS	Goldmeer, Mary Grace	AZ Publications Editorial
7/26	5	YRS	Brooks, Jason Wray	AZ Publications Editorial
7/27	11	YRS	Haldiman, Philip K	AZ Publications Editorial
7/2	20	YRS	Jacobs, Donny	Valley Printing Press
7/4	10	YRS	Young, Chad Thomas	Valley Printing Press
7/23	9	YRS	Martin, Alexander James	Valley Printing Press
7/4	54	YRS	Ford-Waring, Wanda	Corp Executives
7/8	2	YRS	Conroy, Ryan Thomas	De State News Advertising
7/22	7	YRS	Ferrio, Joy L	De State News Advertising

Fun in the Sun

 A little sunshine can provide your body with a natural source of  vitamin D and help improve your mood.  But too much of a good thing is not good.  Click the link to read USI July bulletin.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qx0N_bUiDmxRk4lHJsT0Uc-7AFWxW7M7/view?usp=sharing