President's message: GPA is a resource we need more than ever
 It is a privilege to serve as president of your Georgia Press Association.
Many talented, well-respected men and women have gone before me, including my father, brother and husband. I will strive to do my best for them, for you and for GPA.
There is so much talent in the newsrooms, advertising departments and administrative offices of newspapers all across Georgia. Our association bonds our newspapers together, and at no time in its history has GPA been so important to its members.
Instead of hunkering down in our offices, we must work together. We need to exchange ideas, develop strategies and seize opportunities. Together the Georgia Press Association will make that experience and expertise available to you in your time of need.
The recent 123rd press convention mixed fun at Jekyll with dispensing information on how to weather the storm. Snippets of things from this year's convention that invigorated me included:
> The joy of a young winner and her pride in the first photography awards of her blossoming career.
> The red suspenders and Barnesville Brogans worn by the ghost of Gene Talmadge.
> The induction of Phil Hudgins into the Golden Club.
> Optimistic remarks from NNA president John Stevenson.
> Sen. Sam Nunn's salute to our industry and his acknowledgment that we helped hold him accountable to those who elected him.
There were also great tips I brought home from sessions including:
> Don't use e-mail to communicate personnel issues.
> Ways to sell simplified modular advertising.
> Always start press runs with full rolls to cut waste and use a rewinder to make full rolls out of remnants.
> Get each of your employees to make one new advertising contact each week.
It is important to put together and maintain a network of contacts who can help you with issues like these. GPA is that source. All you have to do is tap into it.
We want you to be involved and invite you to join the committee of your choice.
Committee chairs are:
Meetings, Kathleen Williamson and Amy Henderson;
Circulation, John Hall;
Education/editorial, Mesha Wind;
Sales and marketing, Alan Nesmith;
Awards, Scott Buffington;
Public affairs, Otis Brumby III;
Technology, Burgett Mooney.
Perhaps the most important fight before us is the preservation of our legal advertisements. Now that all 159 legal organs have their legals on georgiapublicnotice.com, it is up to you to promote it.
Highlight it in your house ads and create direct links to it on your Web sites. Talk to your legislators.
That may seem like common sense but many papers are not doing it. Need help? Ask the staff at GPA. [ 770-454-6776 | mail@gapress.org ]
Call on GPA. We will certainly call on you.
Laura Geiger is accessible via e-mail at lgeiger@pikecountygeorgia.com or at 770-358-NEWS.
|
LENDING LIBRARY