SMR-7-11-2013

See Pages 2, 4-6

FACE TO FACE — Volume 27, No. 2

TO

with John Rung President Shaw Media

Shaw Media Reporter is the official magazine of Shaw Media, 444 Pine Hill Drive, Dixon, Illinois 61021.

Shaw Media publishes the Reporter three times a year to keep employees and friends informed.

If you have any questions or suggestions for articles or would like to be put on the mailing list, please contact one of the editors listed below.

Gerry Burke, Publisher Crystal Lake, IL 815-526-4400 Greg Wallace, Editor Bureau County Republican Princeton, IL 815-875-4461 Peggy Campbell, Content Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate Services Dixon, IL 815-284-4000

Contributing Editors

Rita Roberts, Bureau County Republican Princeton, IL 815-875-4461

Stephani Finley, Creston Publishing Company Creston, IA 641-782-2141

Bob Eschliman, News Printing Company Newton, IA 641-792-3121

Allison McCaleb, Suburban Group Crystal Lake, IL 815-526-4485

Kris Boggs, Sauk Valley Media Sterling, IL 815-625-3600

2 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

Presidential address

A

lthough it was a thrill and an honor to be named the first nonfamily president in the 162-year history of Shaw Media, the recognition did not reflect individual achievement.

Many talented people have contributed to the success of Shaw Media. The recent announcement was an indication that our Board of Directors believes we are on the right path.

Still, I thank Tom Shaw and the rest of our Board of Directors for their support. I pledge to work with all of you to do everything we can to continue Shaw's outstanding legacy of success.

At this point, you might ask, “Where do we go from here?”

Perhaps you have heard that traditional media is in the midst of great change. We should be used to it by now. The “great change” has been going on for a decade, perhaps longer.

The question of whether declining revenue led to declining circulation, or vice versa, is probably a moot argument. The reality is that we have experienced drops in traditional revenue and print readership. Some revenue categories are cyclical and might bounce back. Other categories are gone - or will be gone - for good. The print circulation of our general-interest newspapers is unlikely to rebound significantly in the foreseeable future.

But, there is much more to the story.

Our company has many assets that we can leverage for greater success. First and foremost, we have recognizable and trusted brands in the markets we serve.

We have tremendous relationships in, and knowledge of, our communities. We were local before “local” became a buzzword.

We are blessed with consistent and stable ownership. While many media organizations change hands on a routine basis, we have had the same ownership for 162 years. We are financially solvent with a track record of strong performance. Our customers can depend on us.

The size of our company is also an advantage. We are large enough to have access to considerable resources, but we are small enough to move nimbly. We can quickly create and develop new products to respond to market developments.

Although print newspaper circulation has declined, our audience has expanded.

With new digital platforms, Shaw Media reaches more people than ever before.

Monetizing that audience will take cre-

ativity, patience and perseverance, but our reach has tremendous value.

Our priorities going forward: • We must continue to improve and focus our content. Today, bad information is readily available from numerous platforms. We must provide relevant, unique, and dependable content.

Newspapers have tended to appeal to a general interest; they were “something about everything.” The digital age favors the narrow. More and more, we should strive to be “everything about something.” The development of successful niche products will be very important.

• We must continue to provide our clients with a variety of marketing solutions. Our customers know we are sellers.

That's OK, but we can't simply sell space.

We need to understand the challenges faced by our clients, and we need to use our products to help them meet those challenges.

• In that same vein, we should understand that advertising budgets are decreasing, and marketing budgets are increasing. Events, video, e-commerce and other initiatives will help us to move from the shrinking fund to the growing fund.

• We must acknowledge trends and adapt. For instance, research suggests younger people will read print, but prefer magazines, because glossy is similar to the tablet experience. We must understand the audience we are trying to reach.

• To expand on the theme of adapting, we should not be afraid to structure our business in different ways. As legacy revenue decreases, we need to adjust legacy costs. To grow, we must invest in growing segments. Therefore, we should continue to evaluate centralization and outsourcing to improve efficiency.

Like most businesses, we face considerable challenges. Unlike many businesses, we remain financially stable with consistent ownership through 162 years and six generations of the Shaw family. We are reaching more people than ever, and we are poised to build on our history of success.

We find ourselves working in media during an exciting time. If we view the great change in our industry as a great opportunity, we have the chance to build a better company. I am excited about working with all of you in Shaw Media as we start this new leg of our journey. www.ShawMEDIA.com

SIX STAR UPDATE — Volume 26, No. 3

UPDATE Performance

Face to Face ......................................... pg. 2 Cover Story . .................................. pgs. 4-6

2013 has gotten off to a slow start. Total sales were under budget 6.4%.

Despite expenses being 4.7% under budget, operating profits for the first five

Featured Employees ............................. pg. 7

months were 14.5% under plan. Revenue and expense contingency plans have been developed to counter the disappointing results.

Multi-media........................................... pg. 8

Driving Revenue On May 16, all Shaw's publishers and general managers met in DeKalb

Human Resources/Safety Update .......... pg. 9

to discuss new ways to drive revenue. The initiatives we plan to pursue include the continued evaluation of strategic acquisitions, evaluation of

Graphically Speaking ...........................pg. 10

outside vendor programs (such as TOMA), the development of additional e-commerce projects, and better bundling of print and online value for

Technology . ......................................... pg. 11

advertisers.

New President Congratulations to John Rung on his election by the Shaw Board as President of Shaw Media, the first non-Shaw to ever hold that responsibility.

Make sure to read the related cover story.

New Life The first edition of Suburban Life Magazine published in May 2013. The

In Focus ..............................................pg. 12 Sauk Valley Media ........................pgs. 13-15 Suburban Group ..........................pgs. 16-22 Bureau County Republican ..................pg. 23

glossy lifestyle magazine achieved such success, that although originally targeted for Spring & Fall, it is beginning to publish monthly in July.

Shaw Media Digital Custom website design, mobile web design, banner ads, video services,

News Printing Co. .......................pgs. 24-25 Creston Publishing Co. . .............. pgs. 26-27

and print solutions for customer's digital strategies is part of our new digital services initiative. The rollouts in each market have gone well. Our first

Service Anniversaries .................. pgs. 27-31

customer, westchesteritaliandeli.com, gave us the following testimonial: "Great job with the web site. Your quick response to my changes was

New Faces ........................................... pg. 31

fantastic.”

Winner Melanie Clements, Corporate HR, who rides her bike to work 18 miles round trip every day the weather cooperates, was recognized May 22 with the Rock River Bicycle Club Richard Mardauss Corporate Challenge Trophy for the most miles ridden and best corporate participation (her husband joins her) in the event. Mardauss was a local cyclist who died of cancer earlier this year.

Way to go Melanie! See story and pictures on page 7. www.ShawMEDIA.com

New Responsibilities . .......................... pg. 31 The Back Page ...................................pg. 32

On The Cover Front page illustration of John Rung was created by Brent Maring.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 3

COVER STORY

John Rung was named president of Shaw Media and elected to its Board of Directors at the company's Annual Meeting on May 2.

J

Hail to the chief

ohn Rung's list of accomplishments in his 16 years with Shaw Media is a lengthy one.

He remains just the second publisher in the 28-year history of the Northwest Herald, Shaw Media's flagship publication. It's a position he's held since 2002, when he replaced Northwest Herald founding publisher Bob Shaw, who retired.

In 2005, Rung was named group vice president of Shaw’s suburban operation, and later he was named senior vice president and chief operating officer of Shaw Media.

Since then, he has overseen the acquisition of the Lakeland weekly newspapers (now Lake County Journal) in 2005, the (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle in 2007, and Suburban Life 4 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

Media in 2012. These acquisitions have more than doubled Shaw Media's footprint in Chicago's suburbs during a time when many other media companies have been contracting.

With newspaper revenue in decline, Rung also understood that the company needed to diversify its media offerings. That strategic thinking led to the successful launch of a series of monthly print magazines as well as local shopping websites under the Planit brand.

In large part because of this vision and leadership, Rung was rewarded in May when he was named president of Shaw Media and elected to its Board of Directors. With this latest appointment, he becomes the first person from outside the Shaw family to serve as

president of the company.

“John has demonstrated the ability to thrive in a highly successful, professionally managed, family-company environment," said Tom Shaw, CEO of Shaw Media. "We believe that our unique business and family legacy will be in capable hands.”

Skip Bliss, a member of Shaw's Board of Directors and president of Janesville, Wis.- based Bliss Communications, echoed Tom Shaw's confidence.

"As a board member, I can assure you that John has been a wonderful asset to Shaw Media and has proven his leadership ability time and again," Bliss said. "I wholeheartedly endorsed his appointment and look forward to many more companywide accomplishments under his direction." www.ShawMEDIA.com

COVER STORY

Staff surprised newly elected President, John Rung, with a party/luncheon in his honor. Unknown to Rung, his wife was at the party. In the photo, Rung waves to her after someone pointed her out across the room. Shown from left to right are Valerie Kazenstein, Don Bricker, Rung, Sherry Doyle, Kim Vanderstappen, Barb Grant, and Kirk Elgar.

A 1980 graduate of Oswego High School, Rung's first job didn't necessarily portend the success he would experience later.

As an usher at Fox Valley Movie Theater in Aurora, "this job started my annoying tendency of constantly reciting movie quotes," he said.

In between showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "American Graffiti II" and other high-brow films, Rung earned his bachelor's degree in mass communication from Western Illinois University with a minor in marketing.

His first job in the media business was selling advertising for a group of shoppers in the Chicago suburbs. About that time, he also was hired as a part-time sports stringer for the Beacon News in Aurora.

"I actually stumbled into the stringing job," he said. "I had a friend who was pretty lazy. He was supposed to cover a Marmion football game for the Beacon, but he decided he didn't feel like it. He called me about an hour before the game and asked if I would cover for him. I had never done any actual reporting before www.ShawMEDIA.com

then. I covered the game and went back to the Beacon News. I explained who I was, and, since they needed the story, they let me in the building and I filed my first story. They must have thought it was OK, because they started giving me regular assignments."

He first joined Shaw Media, then Shaw Newspapers, in January 1994 as the retail advertising manager at the Kane County Chronicle.

In June 1995, he married his wife of 18 years, Rachel.

"I didn't have much of a career before I met Rachel," he said. "I got my first management job after Rachel and I started dating. ... To call her a steadying influence would be an understatement.

She also serves as my sounding board on pretty much everything. In fact, she is the person who came up with the name of our Planit sites."

Outside of work, Rung is an avid reader of nonfiction. " 'The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People' had a great deal of influence on me," he said. "Before I read that book, I didn't fully understand the importance

of viewing a situation through the perspective of the other person. I believe that the key to success is combining empathy with an absolutely relentless insistence on doing your job the right way."

Rung also is a diehard fan of the Chicago Bears – "although they try my patience on a regular basis" – and five years ago added the title "triathlete" to his résumé. He's since participated in 40 triathlons, about as many 5Ks and 10Ks, and one half-marathon.

He and Rachel have three children: Savanna, 14, who plays the clarinet and is a high-honors student; Emma, 7, who plays softball and does cheerleading; and Jack, 4, who's "into fast cars, Transformers, Avengers, and mayhem in general."

The family lives in Johnsburg, north of Crystal Lake.

"Most of my time is spent with my family," he said. "They are the greatest thing in my life and it's so much fun being with them, even if we're just going to the grocery store or playing in the yard."

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 5

COVER STORY

Presidents, past & present The following is a list of company presidents and when they served.

In good hands "John has been a tremendous leader at Shaw Media. As we move in to the future, I am very confident that John will continue to do what he does best, which is provide innovative products and services to our readers and advertisers. I look forward to continuing to work with John in his new role as President and COO." Ryan McKibben Chairman of the Board, Shaw Media

Mabel S. Shaw 1921—1955

George B. Shaw 1955—1962

"As a family member, current beneficiary and director of Shaw Media, I am thrilled about the selection of John Rung as President of our company! I cannot think of a better and more qualified individual than John to provide strong leadership and dedication to Shaw Media. He has been and will continue to be a great asset to our company."

Linda Hanson Director, Shaw Media

Ben T. Shaw 1962—1978

E. K. Shaw 1978—1993

"I’m extremely pleased by John Rung’s appointment to President and election to the board of Shaw Media. John is a skilled leader who has managed effectively during a period of significant challenges within our industry. He is disciplined and as a team player, has surrounded himself with an exceptional management team. His promotion is a positive development for the future of Shaw Media and for our commitment to the communities we serve."

Doug Loring Director, Shaw Media

Tom Shaw 1993—2013

John Rung 2013—______

"John is a talented executive who will carry out the strategic vision of Shaw Media with both excellence and integrity. John has an outstanding track record in maximizing the opportunities associated with the traditional media business, while at the same time aggressively pursuing our path to the digital future. He also understands the importance of community service through local media and the honoring the trust that our readers, advertisers and employees place in our company every day. We look forward to many more successful years ahead with John and his outstanding leadership team at the helm of Shaw Media."

Mary Lou Fulton Director, Shaw Media

6 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

www.ShawMEDIA.com

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

Certification Employee name and position held: Mary Jo Borcherding, Advertising Representative, Creston Publishing Company.

Joined a Board Employee name and position held: Alese Campbell, General Manager, Lake County Journal

Certification received: Certificate Of Completion for Basic Print Certification (Local Media Association).

What Board did you join? Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce

Date completed: April 2013 Reason for taking class: To further my advertising sales training.

Mary Jo Borcherding

In what Capacity? Board Director Alese Campbell

Additional comments: I appreciate the training opportunities that Shaw Media provides employees to do our jobs at the highest level possible.

Left to right: Rock River Valley Bicycle Club President, Brian Cox, Nina Mardauss, Melanie Clements, club secretary B. J. Fenwick, and Brant Clements.

Richard Mardauss was an avid cyclist who rode his bicycle to work yearround.

The Power of One Melanie Clements, Human Resources Coordinator, Shaw Media Corporate Services, and her husband, Brant, participated in and won the Rock River Valley Bicycle Club Richard Mardauss Corporate Challenge for Shaw Media. This is the first annual event in memory of Richard Mardauss, an avid cyclist who lived in Dixon and rode his bicycle to work nearly every day, and who died earlier this year from cancer.

The event was conducted on May 17, 2013 to coincide with National Ride to Work Day as part of National Bicycle Week. www.ShawMEDIA.com

A traveling plaque was awarded for the company with the highest participation, and the number of miles ridden was also taken into account. B. J. Fenwick, secretary of the bicycle club presented the traveling trophy to Melanie for Shaw Media and said she won it alone "hands down" because of the number of miles she rides to work, the number of times she rides a week, and the miles she rides.

Nina Mardauss, Richard's widow, participated in the presentation and spoke about her husband's dedication to riding.

The Rock River Valley Bicycle Club is dedicated to the promotion of recreational bicycling for everyone, is committed to the promotion of bicycle safety and supports existing and future changes in laws that support the sport of bicycling for the safety and enjoyment for all.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 7

MULTI-MEDIA

Shaw Media Digital: Local. Trusted. Effective. Simple.

By Ben Shaw Chief Digital Officer Shaw Media

D

igital Agency services are an exciting new revenue opportunity for Shaw Media.

According to Borrell and Associates, "SMBs [small-to-midsize businesses] are on average spending 72% of their online marketing budget on digital services such as consulting, SEO, email management and Web presence, compared to only 12.4% for advertising". If local media companies continue to fight only for local dis-

8 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

8 ON THE WEB Check out our website at www.ShawMediaDigital.com.

play ad dollars, we are competing for a shrinking part of the available pie.

Enter Shaw Media Digital. From basic, single-page sites, to multi-page sites with e-commerce, Shaw Media Digital is now designing fully custom websites to fit the needs of our business partners.

Many of our customers are either

unhappy with their current web and mobile sites, or worse yet, don’t even have one. Yet at the same time, we know that 82% of people use the Internet to find local businesses.

Beyond the revenue opportunity, we are launching Shaw Media Digital to help our local businesses have effective online presences. Without a great online call to action that entices foot traffic, no amount of eyeballs we send from ads on our news websites will be effective. By offering these products, we will be doing a good thing for our towns as we do well for ourselves!

www.ShawMEDIA.com

HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY UPDATE

Positive feedback by employees to distracted driving training

Jordan Scher, left, senior managing director at Mesirow Financial, talks with CNA Advertising Representative Teresa Pendegraft about investments after an annual 401K meeting June 24 in Creston, Iowa.

CNA photo

by Kyle Wilson

Thoughts on the 401K Once I started allocating funds to a 401k, I quickly adapted to the change in my paychecks.

Meanwhile, those small contributions continue to grow long after I would have otherwise spent the money. And the before-tax savings and company matching basically translate into free money.

David Good, Sports Editor, Suburban Life Media

••• I don't have a pension, and nobody's paying for my retirement except for myself. I'm in my 30's, so I still have some time before retirement. It's a lot less painful to save a little now than to try and catch up later. I also appreciate that the company reinstated the match. It's free money.

Dana Herra, Editor, MidWeek

••• I save in the company's 401(k) plan because of the tax advantage, and it's going to help me reach my financial goals so I can retire.

Recently Sauk Valley Media conducted refresher training on distracted driving. SVM employees who regularly drive on company business viewed the training video provided by Travelers Insurance, and took a quiz to test their knowledge of the information.

Numerous staffers commented that the video presented helpful information, reminding everyone of the need to focus on the road and avoid driving distractions.

"The video was very helpful to me," said Circulation Manager Abbie Clark. "It reminded me to be cautious while driving."

"Not only do you need to be cautious while driving, but also make sure your full attention is on the road and not day dreaming about something else, " she added. "The video also taught me that speeding only saves you minutes and you're more at risk to get a speeding ticket than arriving earlier."

And Colleen Garza, circulation account clerk, shared this. "In regards to the safe driving video training, I felt it was very current on the modern-day driving distractions - with cell phone distractions and texting and with the dangers of multitasking while driving."

Abbie Clark

Colleen Garza

Mary Jo Borcherding, Advertising Representative, Creston News Advertiser

••• It's amazing how your money grows over the years. Everybody should be in the program, even if it's just to take advantage of the match.

If I had to have saved on my own, it probably wouldn't have happened, but being able to put aside some money each payroll has made it easy to do.

Mona Cruse, Systems/Commercial Manager, Bureau County Republican

www.ShawMEDIA.com

There were three incidents requiring medical attention in March, April, May and June.

Here are the results: Bureau County Republican - 1 Creston News Advertiser - 1 Northwest Herald - 1 No other locations had incidents that required medical attention.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 9

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING

FirstClass: To Protect and Search

By Brian Hurley Media Applications Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate I’ve been getting a few calls lately from users that either deleted things they want, or can’t find things they know are there “somewhere” in FirstClass.

Today we’ll look at protecting files and folders, as well as using the Filter and Find options in FirstClass.

When you create or receive a file or folder, you can “protect” it. This keeps the user from accidentally deleting it.

To do this, select the file or folder, but don’t open it.

Either right click, control click, or go to the File menu and choose “Get Info”.

When the Get Info box opens, check “protected”.

Now you will not be able to delete the file or folder until you do the above steps and uncheck “protected”.

Ever thought: “It’s here somewhere, I just don’t know where”?

Use the filter to find messages by subject, date, name, etc. or select “Edit>Find” to dig down into your mailbox, messages, conferences and files.

Much more powerful is the Find dialog box.

Using the Filter in FirstClass lets you type in a keyword, phrase or name and find it in your list view.

Use Edit>Find to pull up the dialog box, then click “More Options” to get, well, more options.

Looking down the dialog, you can specify and name, date range, where to look, and how many results you want.

Click the Save button in bottom right of the dialog to save an icon for the search you just created.

Check “body copy” and the Find will search within all text for a word or phrase.

You can move this into folders for easy access.

10 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

www.ShawMEDIA.com

TECHNOLOGY

Trying new things with your computer

By Matt Woodstrup Digital Production Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate

G

etting things done requires knowing your skill level.

Everyone works a little differently. Some of us like to know the short-cuts on the keyboard while others may find learning key board short-cuts unnecessary.

If you do anything long enough you find your own way of getting the job

www.ShawMEDIA.com

done. Once in awhile you can still find things to make the job a little easier or enjoyable.

Here are a few ideas that may help: 1. Multiple user accounts. Are you having to share a computer with other users? Would you like to keep your desktop arranged your way? One way to keep your desktop the same every day is to ask your IT staff to create a second user account.

One for other "guest" users and one account just for you.

2. Apple Stickie Notes. How many times do we see Post-It notes all over desks and monitors? If you want to avoid the mess of paper notes, use the Stickie Notes Application.

3. Date and Time. A way to monitor your computer's activity is the clock. Turn on the seconds option.

In most cases, it will show that your computer is still running and hasn't locked up on you. The newer OSX versions can even show you the date in the main menu.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 11

IN FOCUS Every person at Shaw Media plays an important part in the success of this corporation. This segment is designed to introduce you to an associate in the company.

It features one of many who makes a difference by striving for excellence.

MEET : Amie Mock

Best friends Amie Mock (left) and Mary Jane Verhulst share a bond that goes well beyond Mother's Day. In 2009-10, Amie was the surrogate for Mary Jane's son Jackson (center), now 3.

Helping a friend in need

By Kayla Heimerman

B

est friends Amie Mock and Mary Jane Verhulst have exchanged Mother's Day gifts for years. But they could never wrap the present they exchanged a few years ago.

Amie, 33, a billing clerk for Sauk Valley Media, had two sons.

Mary Jane, 31, and her husband, Michael, desperately wanted children.

They lost two babies at birth – Mary Jane had a blood clotting disorder that is especially troublesome during pregnancy – then in 2007, they had Anderson.

Doctors recommended Mary Jane not have another child, but "I knew 12 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

they still felt like their family wasn't complete," Amie said. "And I knew my family was complete. My friend needed help, and I could help her."

She offered to be a surrogate. Mary Jane's egg and Michael's sperm were joined, then transferred to Amie, who gave herself daily progesterone shots and took hormone pills to make sure her body did not reject the embryo.

Amie was adamant that she not develop an attachment to the baby, though.

"I just kept it in my mind that it was not my baby," she said. "I grew a connection with him, but never once, and not even to this day ... I've never felt like his mom."

"She always referred to herself as

the oven," Mary Jane said. "She said it never felt like it was her baby, that it was mine, but she was just carrying it for a while."

On Feb. 3, 2010, Jackson was born.

For both women, it was as much a turning point in their friendship as it was a calcification of their bond.

"I almost can't put it into words," Mary Jane said. "I'm so grateful to her.

The support she gave me through losing two babies, then having my son, ... then for her to carry my other son and be my best friend and stay in that role. ... There really are no words."

"It definitely brought us closer," Amie said. "It gave us a connection that I can't have with anyone else and she can't have with anyone else." www.ShawMEDIA.com

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA Our mission is to become an indispensable source of information and advertising for our region.

Extra work, extra money SVM publishes outside newspaper

By Jenny Young Employees are busier these days at Sauk Valley Media.

But their efforts are generating a terrific opportunity through a new partnership.

SVM forged a partnership in March to produce the Lake Carroll News, a publication of the homeowners association at Lake Carroll.

Employees sell and create ads as well as layout and print the monthly

newspaper for a share of the revenue.

“Yes, it's extra work,” said Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta, “but it's an extremely profitable publication for us.”

“I think it would be advantageous for us to find others like it, if they are out there,” she said.

SVM also has expanded its Living magazines into Freeport, which is outside the immediate SVM distribution area, Baratta said.

“We hope that the relationships with businesses being built through the Lake Carroll News will help us gain momentum in Freeport for the Living magazine," she said.

SVM reporter shadowed by Dixon student Mackenzie Kavanaugh, an eighthgrade student at Reagan Middle School in Dixon, spent the day shadowing Sauk Valley Media reporter Derek Barichello as her assignment for the annual Dixon Government Day in May. Kavanaugh was one of 24 students assigned to follow city commissioners, department directors and media members to see how local government works. She attended a Dixon City Council meeting with Barichello.

Barichello, who covers Dixon's city, schools and parks for SVM, also had Kavanaugh interview people during the day in downtown Dixon. Her assignment was to find out "How do people feel about their own government in Dixon?" and "How much do they know about it?"

What did she find out?

"The people of Dixon are opinionated about city government," she wrote in the opening sentence of a story that was part of the assignment. Three of the four people she interviewed had negative things to say about the city's government, which shouldn't be a surprise in the wake of former Comptroller

Mackenzie Kavanaugh (left), a Dixon eighth-grade student, shadows SVM reporter Derek Barichello at a Dixon City Council meeting in May. Rita Crundwell's recent conviction and sentencing for stealing nearly $54 million in city funds over two decades.

But in the process, Kavanaugh realized that people are free to

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.planitsaukVALLEY.com

criticize and question their own government, and that the media can mass communicate it. She also overcame some shyness in interviewing strangers, and learned how to structure a newspaper article.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 13

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

SVM returns to true progress edition

By Larry Lough Sauk Valley Media decided this year to do something really unique with its annual “progress” edition: Do an actual progress edition.

Newspapers generally have drifted away from the original concept of a community's annual report – a measure of progress in local institutions of both the public and private sectors.

“Directions 2013” took the measure of life in the Sauk Valley, using a mix of statistics and narrative to show where we have been and where we are headed.

We divided the project into two 32-page broadsheet sections: Commerce and Community.

Reporter David Giuliani did the early research to establish a strong base of data off which we pursued qualitative information from a broad spectrum of sources in several areas.

Managing Editor Jeff Rogers, who

designed the sections, supplemented the new reporting with “Points of Progress” – dozens of briefed versions of local stories of progress from throughout the market over the past year.

That enhanced the “annual report” feel.

Many of the ads grasped the concept of the section by providing historical information and image promotion, making advertising an important part of the overall content. Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta said it was a real team effort.

Clearly the business community embraced the project. Sales goals were surpassed with over $50,000 in revenues, and Baratta was extremely proud of her staff for their hard work.

To increase exposure for this special project, our “saturation coverage” by the circulation department delivered the March 26 editions – including the 64 pages of “Directions 2013” – to all households in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls, in addition to subscribers.

10 years Ogle County Newspapers Editor Vinde Wells presents reporter Jason Hickman with his 10th year service anniversary certificate in front of the newspaper office in Oregon.

14 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

Community Editor Andrea Mills receives her 25-year Shaw Media service certificate from Executive Editor Larry Lough during her anniversary luncheon held in March at Sauk Valley Media.

Community editor celebrates 25 years

By Jenny Young Andrea Mills chiseled her first story on a stone tablet. At least, that's what Executive Editor Larry Lough told the crowd at her 25th anniversary luncheon March 13 at Sauk Valley Media.

“You reporters really have it easy these days,” he joked.

Mills started as a typesetter in 1988 at Tri-County Press in Polo and later became editor. She also worked as the Sunday reporter and lifestyle editor at the Telegraph in Dixon. She now serves as SVM's community editor.

With its hundreds of local names and faces, her section connects with readers on a personal level, Lough said.

“She and her staff do an excellent job.”

Before they dove into catered chicken, Mills smiled at her colleagues.

“I want to thank all of you for being such wonderful people to work for and with,” she said. “I've enjoyed my 25 years.”

Photos by Alex Paschal

www.planitsaukVALLEY.com • www.oglecountynews.com

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Circulation accountant Kathy Anspach (center) is thanked by SVM Publisher Trevis Mayfield during her recent retirement luncheon, as Finance Director Joanne Doherty smiles in agreement. Anspach logged a total of 44 years with the Daily Gazette and Sauk Valley Media.

'One of those people you can count on' SVM accountant retires after 44 years

By Jenny Young Imagine offices without computers.

When Kathy Anspach started her circulation accounting career in 1969, a pencil was her keyboard.

"Everything was done by hand," she said.

The 66-year-old retired May 31 after 44 years.

"I've enjoyed the people," Anspach

said, "and I like the work. If I didn't, I'd have gone someplace else."

Coworkers and supervisors like her too. They gathered to celebrate at her honorary luncheon May 30 at Sauk Valley Media.

Joanne Doherty, finance director, worked with Anspach for 16 years.

"She's one of our most dependable employees," Doherty said. "She helps make a team solid, too, because she's just one of those people you can count on, and she does her part."

Anspach worked in circulation accounting all 44 years – not an easy

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.oglecountynews.com

task, Doherty said. She possesses "a wealth of knowledge" that will be missed, Doherty said.

Anspach started at the Daily Gazette in Sterling in her early 20s – long before the Shaws bought the newspaper in 1995 and merged with the Dixon Telegraph. Eventually, Anspach left her downtown office to work in the spacious, new Sauk Valley Newspapers building.

Although she will miss the people, Anspach looks forward to retirement.

"I get to do what I want, when I want."

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 15

SUBURBAN GROUP Northwest Herald • Daily Chronicle • Kane County Chronicle • Morris Daily Herald Suburban Life Media • The MidWeek • Lake County Journal • Great Lakes Bulletin

Pictured are the nine winners honored at the Forefronts Breakfast hosted by the Lake County Journal staff.

They were selected for their commitment to making Lake County a better place to live and work.

Honored honorees The Shaw Media Lake County Journal staff honored nine Lake County residents at a breakfast and awards ceremony in March. The residents were chosen by the editorial staff for their commitment to making Lake County communities better places to live and work. Each of them had spent countless hours

40 year anniversary celebration

in 2012 volunteering, and continue their good work in 2013. At least 70 friends and relatives of the honorees also attended the event held at the State Bank of the Lakes in Grayslake. General Manager Alese Campbell offered opening remarks. Editor Sheryl DeVore then announced the honorees, tell-

ing the audience a little bit about each of them, while Alese handed them a plaque. Also in attendance were account executives Sherry Doyle, Stephanie Barrons, Patti Hekenberger and Sam Hollis along with the editorial team of Cassy Dowell, Yadira Sanchez-Olson and Jesse Carpender.

The group of NWH editorial associates who participated in the Bowling For Kids' Sake fundraiser were, from left, Chelsea McDougall, Lawerence Synett, Sarah Strzalka, Mallory Lyons, Maria Lyons, Kevin Lyons, Jackson Lyons, Joe Bustos, Shawn Shinneman and Stephen Di Benedetto.

Bowled over

Employees gathered in the lunchroom at Northwest Herald to give Bob Frett (left) a warm congratulations and partake in celebratory cake.

Steve Sulouff presented Bob with a 40 year service certificate and a Shaw Media jacket.

Northwest Herald reporters Stephen Di Benedetto, Chelsea McDougall, Shawn Shinneman, Joe Bustos, Sarah Strzalka and Lawerence Synett, along with News Editor Kevin Lyons and his family participated in the Bowling for Kids’ Sake event in February at Crystal Bowl. They raised more than $1,300 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County.

16 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

www.NWHERALD.com • www.KCCHRONICLE.com • www.DAILY-CHRONICLE.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

NWH wins 14 IAPEA awards Capturing the moment Northwest Herald photojournalist Kyle Grillot, is the 2012 Wisconsin News Photographer Association's Student Photographer of the Year.

Grillot, won for his work as a 2012 summer intern for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Grillot is a recent Ohio University graduate and joined the staff of the Northwest Herald in April. The 2012 Student Pictures of the Year contest was judged at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 30 Wisconsin students entered the contest.

8 ON THE WEB Link to the winners: http://www.wnpaonline.com/ graphpaper/2013/04/2012-wnpa-student-poy-results/

Powering through More than 125 people attended Cherry County Magazine’s inaugural Women’s Power Luncheon in late March at the Crystal Lake Country Club. The event featured five successful female businesswomen speakers whose talks were designed to inspire attendees and encourage them to develop professional and personal leadership skills. Another power luncheon will follow in the fall and the first-time event was extremely popular with attendees as well as sponsors.

The Northwest Herald won 14 awards in the annual Illinois Associated Press Editors Association contest in its division of newspapers with a circulation of less than 40,000.

Staff members Chelsea McDougall, Al Lagattolla and Joan Oliver took first place in the Enterprise Series category for the their series "Confronting the Bully."

Photographers Sarah Nader, in the Feature Photo category, and Josh Peckler, in the Sports Action Photo category, each won first-place awards.

The editorial staff took first place in the Multimedia Storytelling category and in Public Service for its Everyday Heroes special section.

Sportswriter Joe Stevenson won first place in the Sports Column or Blog category.

Nader received a second-place award in Sports Feature Photo and Photo Editor H.Rick Bamman took second place in Sports Action Photo.

Dave Lemery received a second-place award in the Informational Graphic category. The editorial staff took second place in the General Excellence category.

Northwest Herald reporter Emily Coleman won two first-place awards for her work at Sauk Valley Media.

One was in the feature category, and the other was for breaking news coverage of Rita Crundwell's $54 million financial fraud in Dixon.

www.planitlife.com • www.HUSKIEWIRE.com • www.VFPNEWS.com

Chelsea McDougall

Al Lagattolla

Joan Oliver

Sarah Nader

Joe Stevenson

H.Rick Bamman

Dave Lemery

Emily Coleman

Gag order Kane County Chronicle sports reporter Kevin Druley (in striped shirt) was joined by reporters Mike Knaap and Paul Johnson in a a gag between innings with Ozzie Cougar during the opening day game of the Kane County Cougars on April 4.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 17

SUBURBAN GROUP

Associates at the Daily Chronicle showed support to bringing awareness to heart disease in women by dressing in red for the day.

Red-y for anything The Northwest Herald editorial department bought a donkey to help families in Haiti by carrying heavy loads of water and/or goods to sell at the market. He was aptly named by Joan Oliver "Edward R. Burro" following an editorial contest to name the newly-purchased donkey.

Going for Burroke “Newsroom donkey” was the subject of the email that grabbed the attention of editorial staff at the Northwest Herald.

The email was asking to support an innovative project in Haiti. Reporter Chelsea McDougall is part of Catholic Assistance Missions (CAM), which runs a donkey program in Despinasse, Haiti, a rural town in the mountains of the impoverished nation.

In short, in Haiti, families have to traverse up and down rugged mountain terrain to a spring to get water for their families or bring goods to sell at the market. This is most often the burden of women and children, while the men tend to the fields. A donkey can carry more loads, and allow children to attend a school that CAM runs.

All this for a low $150.

The editorial department really latched on to the idea, and quickly raised enough for a donkey, which McDougall will purchase in October on her next trip to Haiti. To add to the fun, the editorial department had a naming contest and the winning name came from Joan Oliver — Edward R. Burro.

18 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

The Daily Chronicle joined more than 50 local businesses and 3,500 employees to participate and show support in the GO RED DAY in February to bring awareness to the leading cause of death in women — heart disease.

For the love of learning "Entrepreneur U — Make It Grow!" took place in April at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Crystal Lake.

Local experts shared their knowledge to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses at the event, which was sponsored by the Northwest Herald and Business Journal. Richard Killian, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, was the keynote speaker at the event. Local panelists included Chris Leathers of Your World Fitness, Curtis Smith of Medcor, Sue Dobbe of Dobbe Marketing, Jill Dinsmore of JA Frate and Orrin Kinney of Starline Factory.

Richard Killian was the keynote speaker at the inaugural "Entrepreneur U — Make It Grow!" seminar.

A day in the life Shaw Media’s suburban group successfully launched a new weekly newspaper in the Barrington region, a market previously not served by the company. The 32-page weekly is being mailed to all homes in the 60010 zip code, which includes Barrington, Barrington Hills, North Barrington, Lake Barrington, Inverness and other communities. Advertising spots in each of the first two editions sold out, bringing in more than $6,100 in revenue a week. And future issues are nearly sold out, Northwest Herald Advertising Director Paula Dudley said. www.planitdekalbcounty.com • www.shawvideoworks.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

Northwest Herald editor wins pair of Lisagor Awards Northwest Herald features editor and graphic designer R. Scott Helmchen won two Peter Lisagor Awards for exemplary journalism in a competition sponsored by the Chicago Headline Club.

Helmchen won in the categories of Best Design and Best Illustration.

For design, he won for his entries "2012 Summer Festival Guide," "MaDoNnA," "It Don't Mean A Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing" and "Unwrap a New Season of Sounds." For illustration, he won for his entries, "Anatomy of a Super Summer," "Bet on Black," "Summer Concert Guide" and "Holiday Heavyweights."

This is Helmchen's fifth consecutive win of a Peter Lisagor Award.

The Chicago Headline Club, the Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, host the annual Peter Lisagor Awards for Exemplary Journalism. Awards were presented at a dinner at the Union League Club of Chicago.

R. Scott Helmchen John Rung hands out one of 37 Everyday Hero awards at the inaugural event to celebrate McHenry County people who selflessly give back to their communities.

A heroic celebration The Northwest Herald hosted its first-ever Everyday Heroes awards breakfast in March at the Crystal Lake Country Club, where 37 people who selflessly give back to their communities were honored. All honorees were nominated

by Northwest Herald readers and were featured in an Everyday Heroes special section in February. Editor Dan McCaleb gave the welcome at the breakfast, while John Rung helped hand out the awards to the recipients. This successful inaugural event drew a crowd of 185 people.

Bee impressed

Lucas Urbanski is congratulated

by Northwest Herald Editor, Jason Schaumburg.

www.MORRISDAILYHERALD.com • www. mysuburbanlife.com

Lucas Urbanski won his third consecutive Spelling Bee crown in March at the 2013 McHenry County Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Northwest Herald. Urbanski and a guardian were sent to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The all-expense paid trip was provided by the Northwest Herald.

In 2011 at the Scripps National Bee, Urbanski finished 51st, just missing a spot in the finals. Northwest Herald Editor Jason Schaumburg served as emcee for the Bee. Northwest Herald Community Editor, Joan Oliver was head judge.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 19

SUBURBAN GROUP

Hall of Famer Northwest Herald reporter Kevin Craver was honored in DeKalb recently when he was named to the Northern Star Alumni Hall of Fame. The Northern Star is the student newspaper of Northern Illinois University where many Shaw Suburban Media employees, past and present, got their start in journalism.

Craver was a cartoonist and editorial page editor with the Northern Star and has been an award winning reporter for Kevin Craver the Northwest Herald since 2000. He was named the Suburban Newspaper Associated of America Journalist of the Year in 2008 for his coverage of brain cancer rates in McCullom Lake and has won more than 80 career honors. Craver was presented with the award by fellow Northern Star Alumnus and Northwest Herald News Editor Kevin Lyons.

Kasthuri Henry, a writer, speaker, professor and international corporate executive, gave the keynote address at the Women of Distinction luncheon in May.

Distinct Women The second-annual "Women of Distinction" luncheon sponsored by McHenry County Magazine was held in May at the Crystal Lake Country Club. The panel of women who would choose this year's winners — women who had made a difference in McHenry County and were representative role models as leaders in their fields, businesses and communities — were the seven women who won last year's inaugural Women of Distinction honors. The winners from this year will, in turn, select next year's, and so on. More than 60 women were nominated. At the award luncheon, Kasthuri Henry, a writer, speaker, professor and international corporate executive provided the keynote address.

More than 125 people attended the celebratory event.

A canoe is one of the few practical ways to cross 2nd Street in Downers Grove, east of Florence Avenue. Area streets, parks and yards were under water on April 18, 2013, following torrential rains.

Suburban Life Media photo by Bill Ackerman

Photographers comment "On the day of the great flood, I discovered how hilly Downers Grove is; I kept having to turn around and try another route due to flooded streets. On one of those streets that I saw the guy in a canoe paddling through a park to the left, outside the frame. Eventually he came back to my right, crossing the road, framed with traffic cones in the foreground and the street I had been trying to get to in the background. Patience finally got the shot that had balance, besides lots of water."

20 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

A shout out from DG! The Suburban Life Media advertising team in Downers Grove published a glossy wedding guide that generated $9,500 in revenue! Great job, team!

www.planitlife.com • www.HUSKIEWIRE.com • www.VFPNEWS.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

People lined up for free hot chocolate from Suburban Life Media during the cold weather at the Elmhurst St. Pat's Parade.

Parading around Suburban Life Media had a big success with the Elmhurst St. Pat’s Parade in March! The team handed out about 600 cups of free hot chocolate to parade-goers and had a consistent line of people for almost three hours straight! Several hundred Planit Life discount code cards were given away which resulted in a big uptick in sales on PlanitLife.com over the weekend. Lisa Glavan, Lee Worley, Kelsey Rakers and Jerry Moore were a huge help in the hot chocolate operation!

Bill Korbel, Mary Lou Davis, and Laura Pass also did a great job in representing SLM in the parade!

Mighty magazine launch The premier edition of Suburban Life Magazine was a huge success.

Congratulations to the advertising team for producing more than $20,000 in revenue! A big shout-out goes to Cristin Nackoney, for designing the magazine, Dave Lemery and Stephanie Grimoldby for editing it, and everyone else who contributed to putting this new publication together.

Holiday Hills homeowner Kris Drexler moves belongings to her car on S. Riverdale Rd. Drexler was hoping to stay in her home overnight to watch her sump pumps. Other neighbors had already left their homes.

Northwest Herald photo by H.Rick Bamman

Photographers comment I hitched a ride with a Nunda township official for a tour of the flooded areas. We came across Drexler packing belongings. Her husband had died a year to the day of the flooding.

Large portions of Lisle were under water, like the Lisle Lanes parking lot on April 18, 2013.

Suburban Life Media photo by Bill Ackerman

Photographers comment "After zigzagging my way through Lisle in response to reports that people were being evacuated by boat, I couldn't get any closer without my own boat, so I looked for other options. At the end of yet another flooded deadend, I saw this couple standing chatting on a patch of dry land overlooking a flooded bowling alley parking lot.

They provided the human element and I picked an angle that could get the flooded car into the frame to show the expanse and depth of the water."

www.MIDWEEKNEWS.com • www.LAKECOUNTYJOURNAL.com

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 21

SUBURBAN GROUP

Sandbagging

Four men watch the floodwater move swiftly along the Des Plaines River at Hofmann Tower in Lyons on April 18, 2013.

Suburban Life Media photo by Matt Piechalak

Photographers comment "I took this image from the parking lot of the Hofmann Tower in Lyons. There's a dam on the Des Plaines River there, so I figured it would be a spot where the water would be high. I spotted the four individuals looking out at the fast-moving floodwater and started with this overall shot—in part because I liked how they were standing in a row, but also in case the subjects moved away or left before I could get closer to make more. Turns out, they disbanded seconds after I took the frame and returned to their vehicles, so I'm glad I was able to get this shot."

A pedestrian surveys the flooded area around St. Charles City Hall and the St. Charles Police Station after heavy rains fell for two days.

Kane County Chronicle photo by Sandy Bressner

Photographers comment While searching for flooded areas surrounding the Fox River in St. Charles, I came upon a pedestrian looking out into the flooded parking lot near the St. Charles City Hall.

It was a look of despair, like they weren't sure it was real.

Video by: Photographer Sandy Bressner and reporter Nicole Weskerna, Kane County Chronicle. Jennifer Piazza, who works at the Herrinton Inn, submitted some of her own video for this, as well, and the clips were all edited together.

Videographer's comment We shot this video because dozens of volunteers helped create a sandbag buffer to protect the Herrinton Inn & Spa in Geneva from river flooding.

Online Extra!

Click on the photos to view these videos.

High water

Video by: Reporter Nicole Weskerna, Kane County Chronicle.

Videographer's comment I chose to shoot it because the river was much higher than it normally was. It's particularly noteworthy because it made the rounds through social media, as a record 195,000 Facebook users saw the video post – the highest of any posts on the Kane County Chronicle's Facebook page. It netted 296 comments, 1,551 "shares" and 561 "likes."

22 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 www.planitnorthwest.com • www.planitlake.com • www.planitkane.com

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN Our mission is to provide information (news and advertising) that meets the needs of, and represents value to, our readers and advertisers in Bureau County and surrounding communities. In so doing we must be profitable and provide a secure and rewarding environment for our employees.

Brides flock to Happily Ever After Bridal Expo It was a successful afternoon for local brides and their family and friends who attended the April 6 Happily Ever After Bridal Expo which was sponsored by the Bureau County Republican and The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market. BCR employees helping at the event included (front row, from left) Ashley Davis and Pam Pratt-Marsh; and (back row) Chris Rabe, Todd Olin, Angie Jones, Erica Oertel and Phyllis Fargher. The show was attended by more than 225 people and 46 brides, and included 17 vendors.

Candidate forums

Sarah Maxwell (left), a new copy editor at the Bureau County Republican, and Goldie Currie, a new staff writer at the BCR, look over a story for the day's publication.

The Bureau County Republican hosted two candidate forums in March.

The first forum, hosted with the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. The event began with a light breakfast BCR publisher Sam followed by the forum, which includ- Fisher addresses ed the four candidates running for forum-goers. two open seats.

Later that evening, a forum was held for Spring Valley aldermen candidates and Spring Valley mayoral candidates at John F. Kennedy School in Spring Valley. There were 13 alderman candidates and three mayoral candidates.

As always, both of the events were free and open to the public. Refreshments were served. These forums gave voters a great opportunity to get to know their candidates, to learn what they stood for, and event-goers also had time to speak with the candidates personally after the event.

www.BCRNEWS.com • www.putnamcountyrecord.com

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 23

New employees

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY The News Printing Company is a communication/printing company which publishes and distributes newspapers and shoppers, operates a commercial printing department with both phases of the operation committed to excellence and designed to fully meet the needs of readers, advertisers and commercial accounts.

Newton Daily News donates to art program

Ty Rushing/Daily News

Madison DeVries hugs her grandfather, John H. DeVries, after he returns to the Des Moines International Airport following the final Jasper County Freedom Flight. The veterans returned to Des Moines International Airport shortly before midnight after spending an entire day in Washington, D.C.

The Newton Daily News recently donated to the Newton Community School District art program. The funds donated were from proceeds of the Design an Ad section in which local advertisers had the students design their advertisements. Pictured are Julie Saugstad, art teacher from Newton Community School District, and Jeff Holschuh of the Newton Daily News.

Newton Daily News promotes final Jasper County Freedom Flight Throughout May, the veterans of Jasper County dominated the frontpage coverage of the Newton Daily News. For its dedication to local veterans, the Jasper County Veterans Council named the newspaper a major contributor for the final Jasper County Freedom Flight held May 21.

Prior to the flight, the Daily News published photos of each of the veterans who would be participating in the trip to Washington, D.C. The paper also provided beginning-to-end coverage of the Freedom Flight and the community sendoff ceremony.

Earlier in the month, the Daily News provided similar coverage of the Wall That Heals display in Newton.

24 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

Since October of last year, the Newton Daily News has been publishing a weekly feature about area veterans and their military service titled “Called to Serve.” Those stories were then compiled into a single special section that published the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend.

“As a veteran, I know how many stories are out there, waiting to be told,” Daily News editor Bob Eschliman said. “We're losing these guys at an alarming rate, and their stories are dying with them. That's an important part of our local history, that until now was either unpopular or socially awkward to talk about.”

Cub Scouts visit Newton Daily News In March, about a half-dozen members of a Tiger Cub Scout pack from nearby Colfax went on a guided tour of the Newton Daily News offices and facilities. Operations were powered down for the day, which afforded Newton Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman, the boys and their parents an opportunity to see close-up the various components of the operation that come together to produce the newspaper each weekday.

www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

Newton YMCA honors Shaw donation with sculpture dedication In 2008, Nancy and the late E.K. Shaw, former publisher of the Newton Daily News, and past Chairman of the Board of Shaw Media, donated $750,000 to be used to remodel the east wing of the Newton YMCA's childcare program and the playground immediately to its east.

“Perhaps the most remarkable thing spurred by the Shaws' gift was bringing our family under one roof,” YMCA Executive Director Tom Vanderlaan said. “Where once tables were placed for meeting rooms, now there are toddlers playing, babies

crawling, preschoolers learning their ABCs and school-age kids growing and developing friendships that will last a lifetime.”

In late-May, the final piece of the Shaws' donation - a statue titled “The Reading Lesson” by local artist Nick Klepinger - was unveiled outside the doors to the childcare wing. The statue, depicting a child lost in a book, his dog at his side, “captures the spirit and youthfulness of our childcare center, and perhaps, more importantly, the essence of friendship E.K. had with former executive director Marv Zimmermann,” Vanderlaan said.

Klepinger crafted four miniature versions of the statue; one for Shaw and one for each of her sons. Zimmermann was executive director of the YMCA from 1976 to 2001.

Newton Daily News launches new niche product In April, the Newton Daily News launched a Jasper County Living companion product to its popular Newton Living magazine. The reader and advertiser reaction to the product was such that the July issue of Newton Living will be rebranded to Jasper County Living, as well.

The content and look of Newton Living was modified to have more of a magazine-style feel in January. This was extended to the new Jasper County Living product, which focuses on the entire Daily News market, as opposed to Newton-only content.

“The inaugural issue of Jasper County Living was financially successful and got very positive reader feedback.

The hard work of the editorial and advertising staff was key to its success,” Newton Daily News publisher Dan Goetz said. “This is yet another example of the strength of our non-newspaper niche publications. We'll continue to look at this model for other new product launches.”

Jasper County Living now reaches more than 15,000 homes in Jasper County. If July rebranding is successful, the quarterly publication may move to a bi-monthly publication schedule in 2014.

Daily News leadership in Skilled Iowa continues to be recognized In a joint letter to the members of the Iowa Newspaper Association dated May 23, Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert and INA Executive Director Chris Mudge urged newspapers across the state to become Skilled Iowa employers. Newton Daily News, as the first newspaper in the state to earn the designation, was cited as a leader in the project.

Since the role of newspapers in promoting the program in their communities - led by the Daily News - was first announced in the INA Bulletin in January, 17 additional newspapers have followed suit. That includes the Creston News Advertiser, another Shaw Media property.

The Daily News held a community event in December to promote Skilled Iowa to the other employers in town.

Wahlert and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad participated in the event. Since then, nearly two dozen major employers in Newton have followed suit.

In June, the Daily News began working with Newton Development Corporation, Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Newton, Des Moines Area Community College Newton Campus, and Jasper County Economic Development to get the community to achieve “Skilled Iowa Community” status. This has been the Daily News community service project for 2013-14.

www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 25

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO. Creston Publishing Company is a company engaged in producing and distributing quality community newspaper and shopper publications. Our products are designed to inform, enlighten and entertain our readers, meet the changing needs of our advertisers and promote the interests of the communities we serve.

OST News Editor 'reaches new heights'

By Bailey Poolman CNA staff reporter bpoolman@crestonnews.com In April, Osceola Sentinel-Tribune news editor Amy Hansen attended Association of Free Community Papers' (AFCP) annual conference in Denver, Colo. AFCP is the largest association that helps free paper publishers expand business.

The theme for 2013 was "Reaching New Heights."

Conference Hansen, 25, attended different sessions that focused on the many facets of the newspaper business, including advertising and editorial.

"I attended a lot of sessions, and some of it was geared toward advertising," said Hansen. "I definitely wanted to learn more and see how everything works as a whole. And then, there

was the editorial track, and those were the sessions that writers could sit on and learn. I really enjoyed those."

Editorial The editorial sessions were geared more toward concepts to make the newspaper more appealing to the eye.

"The valuable thing I learned is probably that Maestro Concept because ... you can start doing little things to make your paper more snazzy and more eye-catching," Hansen said. "But, the basic part of it was start with something small, ... what do people want to know right away?

Because the goal is to get them to flip the front page."

Hansen was describing the Maestro Concept, something introduced to her

by Tim Harrower, award winning editor, designer and columnist, who was a guest speaker at the conference.

This cartoon is of Amy Hansen, Osceola Sentinel-Tribune news editor, drawn by cartoonist Brian Duffy. Hansen was at a newspaper conference in April when she met Duffy.

"It wasn't so much a workshop of writing," said Hansen. "(It was) sitting down and taking time to visualize what the reader needs to know most, what will capture the attention in an innovative and colorful way."

Hansen said one of the biggest highlights of her time in Denver was having her portrait drawn by cartoonist Brian Duffy.

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Race day CNA Staff Reporter Bailey Poolman, right, participates in the Southern Prairie YMCA's 5K race in May.

26 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

www.CRESTONNEWS.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO.

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Fore!!!

From left, Creston News Advertiser employees Jeff Levine, Mary Jo Borcherding, Kyle Wilson and Kevin Lindley played together in the Southwestern Community College athletic fundraiser golf tournament May 18 at Crestmoor Golf Club in Creston.

The president speaks CNA Publisher Rich Paulsen, current president of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, speaks during the annual Iowa Newspaper Association banquet in February held at the Marriott Hotel in Des Moines.

Mary Peterson

Meet Constance Gabbles Osceola Sentinel-Tribune Office Manager Mary Peterson recently played the role of Constance Gabbles — a wellknown comedienne and gossip columnist — in the production "Murder at the Tony Lou Awards."

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Drawing winner CNA Systems Administrator Dorine Peterson (left) presents a $50 check to CNA newsroom assistant Courtney Dake who won the safety committee drawing in April.

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Joan L. Russell Newspaper: Newton Daily News Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Mailroom Inserter Job description: Count newspapers for bundling. Put labels on papers for mailing.

What I like best about my job: Fun and easy.

Family: 3 daughters and 2 sons.

Hobbies/Interests: Quilting and raising chickens.

Fun fact: I like fishing and participating in the annual March of Dimes walk in Ankeny.

Joan L. Russell

www.CRESTONNEWS.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Brett Rowland Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 8 Position: Assistant Business Editor Job description: Covering business in McHenry County.

What I like best about my job: Meeting local business owners and discovering the diverse array of things made in McHenry County.

Family: Wife, Amie Hobbies/Interests: Travel, music, food.

Fun fact: There are golf balls on the moon.

Brett Rowland

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 27

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Kevin Druley Newspaper: Kane County Chronicle Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 7 Position: Sportswriter Job description: Covering preps, Kane County Cougars and all other sporting news in Chronicle Country.

What I like best about my job: The chance to find and write stories people want to read.

Family: Dad (Paul), older brother (Dave), Kevin Druley younger sister (Carolyn).

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Mario Kart, Stickball, Wiffle ball, Watching "Family Feud".

Fun fact: At age 2, I crawled my way to victory in a Huggies Diaper Derby, thus winning a year's supply of diapers.

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Kris Sands Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Commercial Graphic Designer/Sales Job description: I design everything from business cards, envelopes, trifolds, newsletters to wedding invitations, raffle tickets, invoices, etc...., customer service, billing, prepare files for output.

What I like best about my job: The daily Kris Sands challenges keep me on my toes.

Family: Husband Jeff, Son Cannon and Daughter Sophia.

Hobbies/Interests: Wine Tasting, playing with my children, the St. Louis Cardinals and shopping for bargains.

Fun fact: I was a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Carla Wahler Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Accounting Clerk Job description: My primary responsibility is entering information into the computer from insertion tickets.

What I like best about my job: Working with wonderful people. It has a family feeling.

Carla Wahler Family: Larry (my husband). Living in Wisconsin, I have 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 3 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 1 great granddaughter.

Hobbies/Interests: I love NASCAR and am a fan of Matt Kenseth.

Fun fact: In 2006, I moved from Beaver Dam Wisconsin to Sterling. That explains why I do not take a drink from a water fountain... I take a drink from a bubbler.

28 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Eldon L. Zink, Jr. Newspaper: Newton Daily News Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Insert machine operator Job description: Operate and repair inserting machine.

What I like best about my job: I have a lot of fun with it, sometimes.

Family: 3 sisters.

Hobbies/Interests: Fishing/Interests: Maybe someday working at Dixon, IL.

Eldon L. Zink, Jr.

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Chris Johnson Newspaper: Ogle County Newspapers Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Reporter/Photographer/And more Job description: Being in a small office, I write stories, take photos, edit photos, and work on page layout.

What I like best about my job: Every day is different. You never know where you are going to be on any given day.

Chris Johnson Family: Parents, a brother, and three cats.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing "designer" board games and my favorite one is Funkenschlag. I also enjoy a good game of Go every once in a while. I also try to attend GenCon every year and I was able to attend the Internationale Spieltage one time. I also sit down at a sewing machine and quilt.

Fun fact: There are fun discussions online about whether or not Monopoly is a game. I personally think it is, in fact, not a game.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Jason Schaumburg Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 17 Position: Editor of the Northwest Herald Job description: I work with all section editors to ensure that we are serving our communities online and in print.

What I like best about my job: I get to work with a talented group of people and for a company committed to local journalism.

Jason Schaumburg Family: Wife, Jen; son, Corgan, 10; daughter, Ava, 5.

Hobbies/Interests: I'm a hockey dad. Both kids play, and my son plays travel hockey. So from September through February, we spend five nights a week at a hockey rink in northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin.

Fun fact: Former Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy was my Little League coach at Elgin National Little League.

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PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Name: Stephanie N. Grimoldby Newspaper: Shaw Media Magazines Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Magazine Editor Job description: I started as a reporter with Lake County Journal, where I honed my writing skills under the tutelage of Kathy Gresey. In 2011, I took over the company's then three magazines as editor, in which I assigned and edited Stephanie N. Grimoldby stories, assigned and gathered photos, wrote stories and generally supervised the managerial aspects of the publications. Today, I continue to oversee Lake County Magazine and McHenry County Magazine while a second team works on Kane County Magazine and our newest magazine, Suburban Life Magazine.

What I like best about my job: I have always loved meeting people and sharing their stories with others because I truly believe every person has something interesting about him or her that others can learn from/relate to. While I don't write as much any more, I'm still proud to write/read/edit/share the stories of people in our communities. I love hearing back from readers who tell us that a story touched them or they became motivated to do something because of something that was published in one of our magazines.

Family: Husband, Kevin, and parents, in-laws, two grandmothers, a brother and a whole slew of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, playing sports, camping, reading and eating chocolate, especially M&Ms. Fun fact: I was a four-year, three-sport athlete at Dundee-Crown High School, and I was an intramural champion in volleyball, basketball and wallyball at Valparaiso University.

Name: Kimberly Hartley Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: I started as a CSR and just transitioned in May to Front Desk Receptionist at the NWH Crystal Lake Office.

Job description: As a CSR, I was the direct connection between our company and our print customers. I listened to their concerns/ issues and did my best to help correct the Kimberly Hartley situation, whether it was a late/missing paper or a location issue. Now, I have expanded my responsibilities to include, a little bit of everything, from greeting customers, answering phones, sorting mail and helping my fellow employees.

What I like best about my job: The people and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I am able to help.

Family: Pete (my college sweetheart and husband of 23 years), Andrew (17) & Rachel (13).

Hobbies/Interests: Baseball, birding and being a groupie for my children's bands.

Fun fact: I circumnavigated the globe in 2 weeks, traveling west all the way around.

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Diane Swaim Newspaper: Suburban Life Media Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 10 plus years Position: Account Executive/Display Advertising Job description: Working with local business owners to develop advertising solutions using the many products that Shaw Media offers.

What I like best about my job: I would have to say my co-workers are the best part of the job. I Diane Swaim have had the opportunity to work with so many talented, dedicated, helpful people in my years at Shaw Media. And we've had some great fun along the way too!

Family: My parents and siblings are all in the local area, including 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Hobbies/Interests: Anything to do with the out of doors and travel...biking, running, skiing. I love gardens and reading as well. My guilty pleasure is horror movies and books.

Fun fact: I once fed a fish on a stick to a moray eel while snorkeling in Mexico....they are surprisingly strong and very ugly up close. I don't recommend it!

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15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Dale Todd Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 17 years, 40 years in the printing industry.

Position: Commercial Print Manager Job description: Overseeing the Commercial Sheetfed Printing Dept.

Family: Wife, Sue, Daughter, Amy, Son and Daughter-in-law, James and Crystal, Son, Eric. Three Grand Daughters and a Grand Son on the way.

Dale Todd

35 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Michael Lisk Newspaper: Newton Daily News Years of Service: 35 Years in the newspaper business: 35 Position: Web Pressman Job description: Set up and run press.

What I like best about my job: Running the press.

Family: My brother and his family.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy going to small Michael Lisk museums around Iowa and I have a movie collection.

Fun fact: I have a movie that is dated 1919 in my movie collection of 2,500 and counting.

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 29

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Stacia Hahn Newspaper: Shaw Suburban Media Group, Inc. Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Group Vice President of Finance & Administration Job description: Oversee all group functions of Finance including Human Resources, Circulation Finance, IT, and Classified.

Stacia Hahn What I like best about my job: The diversity of what I deal with on a day to day basis. I not only get involved in all the financial aspects of multiple papers, but several operational functions. At the group level, you aren't in charge of just one publication, you have responsibilities for all publications/operations and products offered. There is a lot to stay on top of.

Family: Parents who live in Marengo, one brother in Woodstock, and another brother & sister in law who live in Jackson, Wisconsin, five nieces, my dog, Madison, and my boyfriend, Eric.

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, cycling, outdoor activities, Wisconsin Badger football games, and the stock market.

Fun fact: I played volleyball at Woodstock High School — Go Blue Streaks!! — and actually went to state my senior year. We didn't do well, but we had Mother McAuley in the first round.

This was back when volleyball was not a year round sport. I don't think a team has made it since and subsequently my team and I were inducted into the Woodstock High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Teresa Pendegraft Newspaper: Creston News Advertiser Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Advertising Representative Job description: Helping clients with marketing solutions to promote their businesses.

What I like best about my job: The people I work with. Helping the advertiser with a perfect fit to their need. Contact with the public and hearing a testimony of how well a Teresa Pendegraft client's advertising worked for them.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? Relay for Life Committee member for the Creston News Advertiser and the community, Balloon Days committee member for the Creston News Advertiser.

Family: Husband, Ron, 2 Daughters, 1 Son in law, 1 grandson and one grandbaby on the way.

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling with my husband, spending time with family, reading, studying the Bible, working in our yard and watching my kids participate in sports.

Fun fact: I ran my own home-based business for 18 years and recently, my husband and I have traveled approximately 10,000 miles since March 2013 watching our youngest daughter play softball for the Lake Forest College Foresters!

30 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Gloria Carroll Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 17 Position: Motor Route Manager Job description: Short version: I am responsible for motor delivery, placement and repair of vend boxes, collection of rack money, and ordering supplies.

What I like best about my job: Every day is different. My job is not boring because you Gloria Carroll never know what the day will bring.

Family: I have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Hobbies/Interests: I love to spend time with my family. I play with house plants, growing and starting new plants with starters, and when I get a chance I like to sew.

Fun fact: My son was married in Alaska and my daughter was married in Hawaii.

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Gloria Olds Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Receptionist Job description: Greet people with a smile when they come in and wish them well when they leave. Direct or walk with them to the department they need. Write up receipts.

Verify receipts from classified, advertising and accounting departments. Log the newsGloria Olds paper daily in a hard cover book. Mail out subscription notices and also mail out obituary copies to the families. Answer the telephone and try to sell subscriptions.

What I like best about my job: Meeting the public.

Family: Son Brett lives in Texas.

Hobbies/Interests: Bowling and work in the flower garden.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Kevin Lindley Newspaper: Creston Publishing Company Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 40 Position: Production Manager Job description: Oversee the pressroom and mailroom.

What I like best about my job: The product changes daily.

Are there any Boards or Committees you Kevin Lindley serve? Promotions and the associate relations committees.

Family: Wife Belinda Hobbies/Interests: Spending time outside.

Fun fact: I have a TV outside on my deck so I can be outside all summer.

www.ShawMEDIA.com

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

S

ERVICE ANNIVERSARIES 5 Years

Brett Rowland 9/2 Stacia Hahn 9/8 Stephanie Grimoldby 9/9 Carla Wahler 9/16 Joan Russell 10/7 Kimberly Hartley 10/21 Kevin Druley 10/24 Teresa Pendegraft 10/29

N

Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Sterling Newton Crystal Lake St. Charles Creston

Diane Swaim Kristine Sands Eldon Zink

11/17 11/21 11/25

St. Charles Sterling Newton

10 Years Christopher Johnson 8/11 Gloria Olds 8/11

15 Years Dale Todd 8/6 Kevin Lindley 10/5 Jason Schaumburg 10/13 Gloria Carroll 10/20

Oregon Sterling

Sterling Creston Crystal Lake Sterling

35 Years Michael Lisk

11/16

Newton

Nathan Lurz Sarah Maxwell Donald Wakenight Carol Manderfield Tara Reed William Johnson

5/9 5/9 5/13 5/20 5/20 5/27

Downers Grove Princeton Sterling Downers Grove St Charles Princeton

EW FACES March

Christine DeJaynes 3/1 Michael Martinez 3/1 Deborah Alcozer 3/4 Andrew Hatten 3/4 Matthew Hendrickson 3/4 Mark Miller 3/4 Matthew Nosco 3/4 Jason Schaumburg 3/4 Trisha Ramel 3/15 Corey Knalsen 3/18 Patrick Petrosky 3/18 Jacqueline Thennes 3/18 Tricia Walter 3/18 Bill Walls 3/25

Morris Grayslake Downers Grove Sterling Downers Grove Downers Grove Newton Crystal Lake DeKalb Sterling Sterling Crystal Lake St. Charles Sterling

April Katelyn Meador Valerie Esrig

4/1 4/1

Sterling Downers Grove

Alex Ruppenthal 4/3 Anna Schier 4/3 Jason Bauman 4/8 Jeffrey Newcomer 4/11 Carolyn Smoot 4/11 Amanda O'Malley 4/15 Kathleen Sherman 4/15 Marisa Grigaliunas 4/17 Katherine St. John 4/17 Kyle Grillot 4/22 William Hatfield 4/22 Denise Pankey 4/23

Downers Grove Downers Grove Crystal Lake Sterling Sterling Sterling Crystal Lake Downers Grove DeKalb Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Morris

May Adrian Rabadan Lori Fagan Felix Sarver Michael Smith

5/2 5/3 5/6 5/6

Sterling Sterling DeKalb Sterling

June Tarah Thorne 6/3 Crystal Lake Amy Dunphy 6/10 Creston David Hon 6/10 Newton Kristin Pedicini 6/10 Downers Grove Ali Messina 6/17 Sterling Christopher Yeazel 6/18 Princeton John Karr 6/24 Sterling Celeste Lightner-Greenwalt 6/24 Sterling

N

EW RESPONSIBILITIES

Ryan Meiborg, Printshop Pressman, Sauk Valley Media..................................................................................................... 1/14/13 Lynn Adamo, Layout Coordinator, Northwest Herald............................................................................................................2/1/13 Randi Grossman, Office Manager, Lake County Journal.......................................................................................................2/1/13 Shane Lucas, Sports Editor, Newton Daily News....................................................................................................................2/1/13 Kara Hansen, Group VP/Audience Development, Shaw Media Suburban......................................................................... 3/4/13 Edward McGehee, Distribution Manager, Northwest Herald..............................................................................................3/31/13 Meredith Schaefer, Community Relations Manager, Northwest Herald.......................................................................... 4/15/13 Kim Skibinski, Assistant Copy Desk Chief, Northwest Herald.......................................................................................... 4/15/13 Monica Maschak, Staff Photographer, Daily Chronicke...................................................................................................... 4/21/13 Robert Winner, Photo Editor, Daily Chronicle...................................................................................................................... 4/28/13 Andrew Aurand, Printshop Assistant, Sauk Valley Media..................................................................................................4/29/13 Colleen Garza, Accounting Circulation Clerk, Sauk Valley Media.....................................................................................4/29/13 Chelsea McDougall, Court Reporter, Northwest Herald.....................................................................................................4/29/13 Gerald Moore, Reporter, Suburban Life Media.....................................................................................................................4/29/13 Jim Ringness, General Manager, Kane County Chronicle..................................................................................................4/29/13 Cherri Dauskurdas, Magazine Editor, Suburban Media Life..................................................................................................5/1/13 John Rung, President, Shaw Media..........................................................................................................................................5/2/13 Kimberly Hartley, Administrative Support Representative, Northwest Herald............................................................ 5/14/13 Tresa Andreasen, Circulation Clerk, Creston News Advertiser........................................................................................ 5/21/13 Kate Malott, Staff Writer, News Printing Company.................................................................................................................7/1/13 www.ShawMEDIA.com

Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013 • 31

THE BACK PAGE

How do you take

maximum advantage of saving for retirement?

By participating in the Shaw Media 401(k) Plan!

The company will match 25% on the first 6% of contributions you make to the Plan. It’s like getting free money. In order to take full advantage of the match program, you should contribute at least 6% to the Plan.

It’s easy to begin contributing or to increase your contribution amount.

All you need to do is complete and submit to your local HR representative a change in contribution form which can be obtained from your HR department, or can be found in the benefits folder in ShawMail.

And then prepare to be amazed at how fast your money will grow.

See page 9 for testimonials

32 • Volume 27 — No. 2 • Summer 2013

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