Well, folks, it’s official, we have now achieved three years in a row to be the #1 Statewide Display Advertiser. (out of 64 participating newspapers). I knew our sales staff was doing well as we were showing strong results near the end of the year. As we ended last 2018, we placed 66 statewide display ads in all the participating newspapers. The closest newspaper to place display ads was the Glasgow Courier at 26. I hope my sales staff know how grateful and proud of them I am for this achievement. I think this shows the trust and confidence our advertisers have in our newspaper as well as our ability to get the job done efficiently and hopefully to save our clients’ money.
If this next year is any indicator of last year, I have a good feeling for the future, (always with my fingers crossed, though). We can only work as if it all depends on us and pray to God as if it all depends on Him. All we can do at this point is be grateful for what we’ve been given and make hay while the sun shines. However, I like the analogy of the iceberg in the water. If you can just see the tip of the iceberg, imagine what you can’t see at this time, but please know we are doing all we can to be your source and team for local hard news, legal ads and obituaries.
On another note, I had a quick trip to Helena on Monday in order to get a Yellowstone County delegation picture for you all as well as get some other things accomplished. (You can find that picture on page 11.) We completed the picture this time in the Senate Chambers as our last picture was taken in the House. This same picture will be on the front page of our website so check it out. I was encouraged to get a greater number of legislators in the picture this time than last time. In fact, I think we were only missing 2 or 3 legislators this time. Now, look at the whole group that represents Yellowstone County. That is a big number of legislators representing one area of the state? I say yes! One would think they can all come together on one big Billings or Yellowstone County project. However, I’m not aware of any one issue so stay tuned as the Legislative session is only at the beginning.
Now, each legislator will be getting a copy of the Yellowstone County News on their desk each week during the Legislative session. Last session, the newspapers ended up in their mailboxes in Helena which is at the back of the chambers but I’m hoping that the papers will be delivered on their desk this time. Only time will tell. Either way, please know that your local delegation is getting the newspaper each week, so if you write a letter to the editor, they will get it and be reading it. Please know that our own Yellowstone County leaders and local business owners, as well as all our subscribers, are reading this paper. Chances are great that those in the know will be reading your comments. I like to say that the leaders of Yellowstone County are reading the newspaper as well as all the City of Billings administration and City Council members also, because they get a newspaper each week. So, there are a lot of people reading our newspaper but I want to take this newspaper to the next level and have to complete a couple things first.
Now, we’re working on some things here at the office but trying to make sure you know we are working on your behalf. We are trying to get stories that are local and that affect you and this area. Please continue to contact us for any leads or tidbits you have for us. We want to hear from you, the reader.
We are also looking for another person to join our growing team. We are needing to add another reporter to our team. Please pass the word on to those who might be interested. Give him or her my cell phone 406-672-5941. There is a bright future at Yellowstone County News as we are already into this next year.
Until then, keep your eyes on the paper and look for the tip of the iceberg.
JDM
