WED NES D A Y , A UG US T 1 1 , 2021 • $ 2.00
T HE O NLY DAILY NE WSPA PER PUBLIS HED IN McHEN R Y COU N TY
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NATION
Nation in shock As the retirement of world-renowned account executive Sam Zito draws near, the nation mourns with thank you messages and rememberances pouring in from Alaska to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. LOCAL NEWS
Time to PARTY! While Shaw Media is sad to see Sam go, associates celebrate his time at the company with a lunch of a lifetime!
THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND After47+ 47 years, the Shaw Media fixture After says goodbye to the company and the county TODAY’S WEATHER
HIGH
87 68 LOW
Complete forecast on page 8
Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
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HE’S SIMPLY THE BEST
Better than all the rest, says Shaw Media President John Rung By JOHN RUNG President and Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Media Publisher, Northwest Herald It might seem like Sam Zito was there when the first edition of the Woodstock Sentinel rolled off the press on July 17, 1856, but he actually didn’t get his start in the newspaper business until 1974. Sam started his career at the McHenry Plaindealer, which had been part of the Shaw family since 1946. He’s been with our company in an advertising capacity ever since. Sam has held a variety of positions with our company, including several management posts. However, working directly with clients has always been his passion and his expertise. To say that he is beloved by advertisers would be an understatement. His clients not only enjoy him personally, they respect his professionalism, expertise and follow through. Sam and I have been through a lot together. Buy us a beer, and we’ll be happy to share some stories. Over the years I’ve learned that Sam is one of the most loyal, trustworthy, hardworking and decent people you could ever hope to meet. I am honored to have worked with him for 20+ years. When I think of Sam, Tina Turner’s song, “Simply the Best” starts playing in my head. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again … Sam is the best there ever was, is, or will be. Have a great retirement, my friend!
Sam Zito and John Rung at a celebration at the Northwest Herald office, Crystal Lake.
A Celebration of Sam Zito’s 40th Anniversary with Shaw Media Written to the theme song of The Muppet Show (Those under 35 years of age, Google it!) It’s the Zito Show with our special guest star, MR. SAM ZITO! Yeahhhh! It’s time to light the candles It’s time to cut the cake It’s time to honor Zito for 40 years for goodness sake. It’s time to put up banners It’s time to hang balloons It’s time to celebrate Zito with this goofy, catchy tune. Why has he been so good here Sam is our biggest fan But it’s always been OUR good fortune To be around da man! And now let’s start the party Why don’t we start the party It’s time to start the party For the most sensational, inspirational, occasional libational, Wisconsin vacational This is why we love the great Zito!
Congratulations, Sam! This celebration was brought to you by the letters S and Z and the number 40.
In 2014, Sam celebrated his 40th anniversary at Shaw Media. A party was thrown in his honor, with lunch, cake and guests from Corporate. A sign and poem (themed after The Muppet Show) were created and posted at the celebration.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED SUMMER 2005
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e c n i I v r t e s Fir ustomer S C by Michael Gibbs Northwest Herald
trophy for advertising achievement. “You never in your career think something like this might happen,” said Zito, who began his career in 1974 working for Shaw Newspapers’ McHenry Plaindealer. The Plaindealer and several other papers were combined to form Northwest Herald. “To work for one great organization my entire career, and in such a great industry, I am humbled. This means a lot.” Tom Shaw, Shaw Newspapers’ chief executive officer, and Northwest Herald Publisher John Rung said Zito deserves the honor. “Sam is the consummate salesperson,” Tom said. “He is a highly respected salesperson throughout our entire company.” “Sam is the best newspaper salesperson I ever have had the privilege of working with,” Rung said. “More importantly, he is one of the finest human beings I’ve
15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Shaw Newspapers
Summer 2005 Volume 19 • Number 1
www.shawnewspapers.com
Name: Teresa Spence Newspaper: Northwest Herald Position: Graphic designer/scanner Number of years in the Newspaper Business: 20 Job Description: Scan all the artwork and pictures for advertising, color correct pictures and process camera ready ads. What I Like Best: I really do enjoy the people I work with. Family: Husband Bill of 25 years, What It’s Like To Be A Living Legacy daughter Cassie (20) and son ColinPage 2 (16), dogs Minnie & Jackie. Tech Support Teams Up With Institute Page 16 Hobbies/Interests: I love the Chicago Cubs, working in my yard and fishing.
B.F. Shaw Printing Company Dixon, Illinois 61021
Sam Zito, Northwest Herald
Name: Marlene Hurley Newspaper: Sauk Valley Newspapers Position: Graphic Designer 2005, the Illinois Press Association JobInDescription: changed the name of their yearly Design ads for the advertising award from the Arnie Nielsen daily paper. Memorial Trophy to the Sam Zito Award What I Like Best: of Excellence. The award is given to the Themost people I workweekly newspaper outstanding within and theduring the annual IPA the state opportunity creative ad convention.to Thebe Shaw Reporterinfeatured design. this article in its Summer 2005 issue. Family: Husband Ed of 35 years, and 2 married daughters. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, crocheting lap afghans for nursing homes, gardening, travel. Fun Fact: Helped my husband remodel every room in our house and build a four season sun room.
ever known.” Zito began working for Shaw Newspapers after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he majored in journalism and English, with an emphasis on advertising. “(Wisconsin-Whitewater) did not offer advertising as a major,” Zito said. “But I had an interest in advertising, so I took art, business and design classes.” After graduation, Zito was hired at the McHenry Plaindealer to write stories twice a week and sell ads three days a week. But just as he was starting the job, Jon Ringer, a sales representative at the McHenry Plaindealer, was named advertising director of the Morris Daily Herald, another Shaw paper. “I never wrote one story for the paper,” Zito said. “With Jon gone, they needed somebody to sell all the time. That person was me.” Zito said building strong relationships within Shaw Newspapers and with his customers has been responsible for his longevity.
Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
An advertising award recognizing the state’s outstanding weekly newspaper has been named in honor of Sam Zito, a longtime Northwest Herald advertising sales representative. Effective this year, Illinois’ outstanding weekly newspaper will receive the Sam Zito Award of Excellence from the Illinois Press Association. Zito is a senior account representative at Northwest Herald, a Crystal Lakebased paper with bureaus in Algonquin, Harvard, Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock, and an advertising office in Harvard. The Sam Zito Award of Excellence replaces the Arne Nielsen Memorial Trophy, which will be retired to the IPA’s Springfield headquarters. Dixon-based Shaw Newspapers, which owns several daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Iowa, including the Northwest Herald and Kane County Chronicle, will sponsor the sweepstakes
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
ULTURE OF GROWTH C O O P E R AT I O N
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Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
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The Sam Zito Award of Excellence I
t’s July and I’m still getting recognition! It all started December 22, 2004 when I received a phone call from Tom Shaw. Tom called to discuss a trophy for advertising achievement sponsored by Shaw newspapers. The award was going to be presented by the Illinois Press Association (IPA) for the state’s “Outstanding Weekly Newspaper.” What followed absolutely stunned me. Tom asked if Shaw Newspapers could name the award after me — Sam Zito!! For once in my life, I was speechless. I was surprised… I was humbled… I felt honored. I remember there was a brief silence, then I agreed. The “Sam Zito Award of Excellence” was born. Minutes later I was on the phone with my wife Cheryl, my daughters Amanda and Stephanie, my son Peter, advertising representative for our new Journal Publications (formerly the Shaw News Weeklies), and my Mom. I could not wait to share the news. I thanked John Rung, Gerry Burke, and the many others who have supported me throughout my newspaper career. This was the biggest highlight of my 30 years in advertising. I was truly overwhelmed by this honor Shaw Newspapers bestowed upon me. Not only did Tom Shaw select me, but asked
me just how privileged I am to work in such a great industry, with great leaders, fellow associates and for such a remarkable organization as Shaw newspapers. Just last week I was on a sales call with an attorney, discussing political advertising, when he commented about the award named in my honor. He was very impressed by the fact that an organization would name an award after someone who Sam Zito Senior Account Manager wasn’t a family member. He said, Northwest Herald “…now I know why you have been with the Shaw family for 30 years… it must be one great place.” that I name the award, choose the trophy, I couldn’t agree more. and present it at the IPA conference. The greatest part of it all was that this year’s recipient was our very own Bureau HAW EWSPAPERS County Republican. Then on May 5th, Tom invited BCR Publisher Sam Fisher and myself to Dixon to introduce the trophy to our Board of Directors. For In the same Summer 2005 Shaw me, it was the perfect Grand Finale. Reporter, Sam had a chance to share The personal part of this has also been his story on how the Illinois Press Shaw Newspapers Reporter is the official incredible. I have received what seems Association’s Sam Zito Newspapers, Award of magazine of Shaw like hundreds of phone calls, e-mails and Excellence be, andIllinois, his thoughts 444 Pine Hillcame Drive,toDixon, 61021. letters from customers, co-workers and on the honor. Shaw Newspapers publishes the Reporter friends. I have heard from people who quarterly, in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall issues to keep employees and friends I worked with 30 years ago at the informed. If you have any questions or McHenry Plaindealer! I have received suggestions for articles or would like to congratulations at chamber mixers, at be put on the mailing list, please contact church, at grocery stores and even while one of the editors listed below. on vacation. This has all reinforced to Tom Shaw, Publisher
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15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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Dixon, IL 815-284-4000 Diane Washburn, Editor Morris Publishing Company Morris, IL 815-942-3221, x 2043
THE MAN BEHIND THE NOSE AND GLASSES
Contributing Editors: Name: Melanie Clements Newspaper: Corporate Services Rita Roberts, Bureau County Republican Princeton, IL 815-875-4461 Position: Human Resources Coordinator You know of him, but what do you do you really know about the man with the goatee and spectacles? Stacey Lohman, Business Journals Number of years in the Newspaper Business: 15 Crystal Lake, IL 815-459-3900 Job Description: Work with HR people from all of the Stephani Finley, Creston Publishing Company newspapers, human resources, benefits and payroll Birthday: October 5, 1951 Favorite Type ofIAFood: Italian Creston, 641-782-2141 administration and safety coordinator. Heather Adams, Kane County Chronicle wife Hobby: Walking Geneva, IL 630-845-5304 What I Like Best: I work with a greatResides bunchIn: of McHenry people,with both theCheryl HR and Sharon Eaton, News Printing Company benefits representatives from the various and(June all of the people Yearsnewspapers, Married: 41 years 1980) Favorite Thing To Do On The Weekend: Newton, IA 641-792-3121 in the corporate services office. Go Meredith to Wisconsin Schaefer, Northwest Herald Children: (in Austin, TX with spouse Lynda) Family: Husband Brant and 2 cats, Buzz and Peter Poomba. Crystal Lake, IL 815-459-4040 Amanda (in Milwaukee, WI with spouse Brian Favorite Type of Music: Jazz Hobbies/Interests: Avid bicyclist, both on and off road riding a few Earleen Hinton, Ogle County Newspapers Oregon, IL 815-732-6166 thousand miles each year, and love toand buychildren) and sell old books, postcards, Favorite TV Show: NCIS Kris Boggs, Sauk Valley Newspapers Stephanie (in Austin, TX with spouse Erica) paper and ephemera. Sterling, IL 815-625-3600 Favorite Sports Teams: Bears and White Sox Fun Fact: We have 8 bikes in our house for 2 people. That's a lot of tire Paul Rock, Weekly Journals Grandchildren: Madilynn, Logan, Charlotte changing. IL 815-899-6397 Fun Fact:Sycamore, Father Peter played accordion
Mother: Norma (96 and going strong!)
in the Peter Zito Trio for years
J. Tom Shaw quickly learned of Sam Zito’s star status in the company and community
By J. TOM SHAW Chief Product Officer, Shaw Media
By the time I joined the company in 2006, Sam was already a local legend. Sam had been featured on billboards. Sam’s success had been discussed at the Shaw dinner table. Sam knew everyone in town. Not only did everyone know him, everyone seemed to love him. To this day, in or out of the office, I haven’t found anyone who would say a bad thing about him. Sam’s success in his career is not by luck. He has the relationships, and he can sell. Sam has a tireless work ethic, and is humble almost to a fault. If we want something done in McHenry County, inevitably Sam is involved. When we wanted to roll out text alerts, Sam made it happen. When we wanted to try a soccer tournament, Sam made it happen. When we got cited for dozens of fire code violations for said soccer tournament the following year, Sam was able to convert
the sponsorship into an ‘80s Bears Reunion party and somehow save the billing. If you needed 10 poker tables and a karaoke machine, Sam could get it all, usually on trade. Sam and I used to meet up at The Cottage in Crystal Lake after work. Everyone single person who walked through the door new Sam, and I got to meet pretty much everyone in that market that mattered just by hanging with the guy. What’s always impressed me about Sam Zito is how successful and impactful his work has been for the company, while always being so personable, decent, and truly likeable. Sam, we all wish you the very best in retirement. Thank you for everything you did for the Northwest Herald, for Shaw Media, and for all of us.
Up, up and away! At left, Sam Zito is a mild mannered advertising executive by day, but at a moment’s notice, Super Sam may appear, ready to tackle problems and generate revenue for his customers.
At right, Sam took part in a “meet the employee” campaign in which staff members from different departments told readers why the enjoyed working at the Northwest Herald.
Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
In his years at the Northwest Herald, Sam has become quite the celebrity, being a part of a few marketing campaigns.
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
LEGEN (wait for it) DARY!
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Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
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Sam, Well played - I tip my hat to you sir. You are a true Pro. Thank you for all your help and advice. All the best to you and Cheryl. – Mark Solak __________________ What’s this retirement stuff? I figured you’d be here another 47 years. You helped our company in so many ways whether it was your sales tenacity or your smiling face and interesting conversation. Thank you for all that you have done. Wishing you nothing but the best. – Stacia Hahn __________________
remarkable, your passion drives everyone and your class is unmatched. Thanks for everything and best of luck in retirement! – Dustin Davis __________________ You can retire from your job, but you can’t retire from our thoughts and memories. You will be missed. – Phyllis Burnett
our clients! I wish you the best and hope you get out and enjoy your retirement! – Lisa Angel __________________
Had alot of fun teaching Sam all about his mouse.... – Brian Hurley __________________
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for sharing your optimism and kindness! Wishing you endless days with your friends and family. – Jennie Robbins __________________
Dear Sam, Thank you for everything that you have done for not only me, but the NWH team througout the years. It is an understatement to say that you’ll be missed! Sales calls will not be the same without you by my side -- we made a great pair and so many awesome memories were made. Wishing you only the best of everything in your retirement because you DESERVE it! Keep in touch! All my best. – Renee Herrmann __________________
Seasoned Authentic Modest
Sam, You are one of a kind! Best wishes on a happy, healthy retirement that you so richly deserve. – Steve Vanisko __________________
Zany Inspiring Trustworthy Outstanding – Lois Williams __________________ Hey, Sammy! Congrats on your retirement! Thank you for making the 30+ years that I’ve know you so much fun! I feel very fortunate for having gotten to know you both professionally and personally! Take care and maybe I’ll see you in the neighborhood. – Kirk E __________________ Sam, Your knowledge is
__________________ Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else. Best wishes on your new beginning! – Christy Matuszeski __________________ Sam, it has been wonderful working with you through the years and partnering up with
Sam, Wishing you grand, new adventures! We’ll miss you ;( – Vicki Foley __________________ One memory that sticks out when I think of Sam. I was in my new position as trainer and was showing sales people how to use their laptop and mouse (a long time ago)
Wishing you the very best & enjoyable retirement! You are such an inspiration! – Kim Reimer __________________ Sam, Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy everyday! Thank you for your kindness and patience to me when I was your designer. I miss those days. – Patty Smoll __________________
“There once was a man named Sam Zito Who was anything but incognito But he had a desire to finally retire Now he’s down at the beach in a speedo!” Good luck Sam!! You will be missed! – Your friend, Bill Korbel __________________ Congratulations on your retirement – you have certainly earned it! Thank you for all your help and friendship over my time at Shaw Media. Your friendly presence and laugh will be missed in the office. Thank you & enjoy your retirement! – Norm Fossmeyer __________________
being a wonderful friend. You really are going to be so missed. You have brought so much to so many. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve the absolute best! Love you, my friend. – Maureen Ringness __________________
Sam - we wish you nothing but the best in your well-deserved retirement! Thank you for always being positive, providing guidance, offering advice and for being an absolutely wonderful human being. – Brad Hanahan __________________
Sam, You have been my boss and you have been a mentor to me. You have been a great account manager for me and to your accounts. But most important, you have been my friend. I cherish that and have never taken that for granted. We have had many ups and downs together in this business, but no matter what, we have always remained in contact. I wish you all the joys of life that lay ahead for you. – Jim Ringness __________________
Sam, That day has finally come. I could not be happier for you and wish you the absolute best with your retirement. You have been the face of the Northwest Herald and we could not have asked for a classier guy to represent the company. You were an excellent colleague and are a true friend, please keep in touch and let me know if you ever need anything. – Kevin Elder __________________ Congratulations, Sam! To say it’s been a joy to work with you all these years would be an understatement. Thank you for always being there with sound advice, great humor and most especially, thank you for
Sam, It has been such a pleasure to work with you over these 19 years of my being with Shaw. You always had a smile on your face, a word of encouragement, or just a friendly Hello to make someone’s day that much brighter. I will miss seeing you each day in the office. I wish you nothing but health and happiness and the Best of everything in life as you start your Retirement Adventure. ENJOY the not having to
get to work on time or setting an alarm for work anymore. I hope to bump into you in town and hear all the fun things you will be doing. – Michele Parks :) __________________ Baked Ziti, It all started with “Take Me to Your Reader” and now, twenty-two years later, we’re still kicking it, Zito style! I’ll miss the laughs, the Portillo’s lunches, the events and the golf outings. How every client’s food is the “best I’ve ever had – excellent – try this” is the stuff of legends. Enjoy the golf club. Strive for the shiniest of floors. And remember, Aldi flannel jeans rule! – “Monster” (aka Brent Maring) __________________ Sam Congratulations on your retirement. You have inspired many that you may know of and many more who you may not. Always enjoyed the conversations we shared. All the best for you and your family! – Dan Goetz
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Shaw Media / ShawMedia.com • Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Sam, You are a one-ofa-kind, true sales professional and leader. Your relationships in the community are unmatched. You have been a great team member and a go-to for me as I was joining the team at Shaw Media. You will be greatly missed and I wish you all the best in your retirement! – Jason Hegna __________________
Best Wishes, Sam! It was an honor to work with you all these years. They don’t make them any better. Enjoy your retirement and I hope to run into to you out and about. Lots of love. – Julie Staszak :) __________________
SAM ZITO COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
Congratulations, Sam!!! It has been such a pleasure working with you and getting to know you as a friend. Enjoy your Retirement : ) – Jo-Ellen McCintosh __________________
The groovy year that was
TV
All in the Family Sandford and Son The Jeffersons M*A*S*H Happy Days Little House on the Prairie •••••••••••••••••••
MOVIES
The Towering Inferno Young Frankenstein Blazing Saddles The Godfather II The Texas Chainsaw Masacre The Longest Yard
Far Out = Cool Dream On = Unrealistic Right On = In agreement Can you dig it? = Do you understand?
Average price of a Gallon of Gas Movie Ticket........................ $1.87 New House......................$35,000 New Car............................. $4,000 Household Income........ $13,800 Minimum Wage.............. $2/hour
U.S. President Gerald Ford (after Richard Nixon resigns)
FUN FACTS
MRI Scanner is developed • The first UPC barcode scanner is installed in a Supermarket in Ohio The first pocket calculators were sold • Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie The Post-It Note was invented • The Ford Pinto was the top-selling car The most popular baby names were Jennifer, Michael, Amy and Jason
MUSIC
The Way We Were Barbara Streisand Season in the Sun Terry Jacks The Joker Steve Miller Band Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd The Loco-Motion Grand Funk Band on the Run Wings •••••••••••••••••••
SPORTS
World Series Champions Oakland Athletics NFL Champions Miami Dolphins NBA Champions Boston Celtics Ali defeats Foreman