Where has the time gone?
It was September 1985 that Dick Aubry and myself published our first Seaway Shopping News, that years later was renamed Seaway News. Little did I know at that time that I would spend the next 30 years serving Cornwall and the counties with a weekly newspaper, bringing local and regional news to the doors of more than 38,000 homes. The advertising over the years has connected businesses and customers with many great specials and services and our readers have been well informed and have saved lots of money.
Our staff in those early years put in countless hours and never gave up. Dick, myself and Dick’s son Thomas, spent many a Sunday walking the streets, delivering our paper to home after home. Then Thomas would jump into our truck and deliver to omore than 27 communities.
Since the beginning I have been fortunate to have been able to serve the community in many ways. Dick understood the need to be part of this area and he made sure I was introduced to the great people who were making a difference. From there, I just kept going and getting involved. I have been given the time to sit on many boards and committees and have chaired many an event.
This has been a unbelievable experience and I and my staff have met some really great people. Also, Seaway News has been able to give back to the community and our total, well over $1 million, includes donations to Cornwall Community Hospital, St. Lawrence College, The St. Lawrence River Institute, LiftOff, Waterfest, United Way, and Kinsmen Club fundraising functions.
Delivering the Seaway News to more than 38,000 homes, is no easy task. We pride ourselves on the fact that once our newspaper is delivered to our Cornwall warehouse, it is in your hands within 24 hours, thanks to the work of Doug Delage and his crew. That’s a lot houses and many skids of papers but we do it.
With the addition of our editorial team lead by Todd Lihou, we are able to cover many local events and cover many functions. Todd also brings a fresh editorial to our paper each week that informs the community. James Lapierre’s cartoons have been a fixture for more than 20 years and we have watched young James grow from the first day he came into our office. He has done an amazing job week after week. To all our other columnists, we say thank you.
Seaway News staff members have been the back bone to our success. We have a great bunch of people, and now that we are owned by Transcontinental and work in the TC Media division, we have wonderful corporate. As Seaway News celebrates 30 years, Jennifer Hope has been with us 28 years and Collen Parette 27. This long-term commitment has allowed for us to grow and to continue to give the best product weekly.
To our readers, we say thank you for helping us get here. Your support has always been received and your input has guided us to success.
To our advertisers, well without you I would not be writing this. We have relied on giving you what you ask for and spent hours designing and producing professional ads to help you succeed. You are all special and I am very thankful. For 30 years I must say a special thank you to Seaway GM, Cornwall Square, Remax, Accessoware, Hunt Insurance and Giant Tiger, as they all were in our first edition and still advertise with us today.
Under the guidance of TC Media and our regional VP Jacques Blais, I expect I’ll be writing a 35-year thank you in five more years. Until then, please continue to read us, call us and stop in. We really appreciate the input.
Finally, a special thank you to my mom – thanks for believing in me 30 years ago…we made it.
