My View – July 2018

I’m honored to have been publishing the Review for ten years! Admittedly, I’m a bit puzzled as to where the last decade went and how time seems to be speeding up, but that’s a topic for a future column.

Back in July 2008, my wife, Jo and I were new to the publishing world but not new to the “marketing” world. We both saw Jacksonville as an interesting place to live, work and play and set out to share our take on it with the world. In the years since, “sharing” has taken on a whole new meaning with the explosion of the internet and social media, in particular. I’m proud that both our print and online issues as well as our vibrant social media platforms are relevant and provide a picture of small town life in Jacksonville to thousands of friends.

Over the years, the editorial stance of the Review has remained consistent in being an advocate for non-profit groups, community organizations, independently-owned businesses and others. I remain committed to “putting it out there” and taking a stance on issues impacting the city. Such is the case with my recent decision to fight for our restaurant community by saying “NO MEALS TAX!”

If you’ll recall, several years ago, I intentionally redubbed the Jacksonville Review a “lifestyle magazine,” dropping the reference to a “newspaper.” This was done to be transparent, recognizing that “magazines” offer an editorial bent different from “fair and balanced” newspaper coverage. Going forward, the Review will fight when it’s right.

In addition to its editorial stance, another consistency has been the generosity of people helping me. They include a deep list of volunteer contributors who pen interesting columns and features. It also includes a tremendous corps of citizen volunteers from Jacksonville’s civic clubs like the Boosters Club, Woodlands Association, Historic Jacksonville, Inc., Chamber of Commerce, and other groups…not mention members of the City Council, city staff, local business leaders and advertising clients.

On this occasion, Jo and I would like to thank YOU, our readers, for making the past ten years a delight. Most especially, we’d like to say THANK YOU to Andrea Yancey, the Review’s graphics editor, who really makes it all possible!

Cheers to ten years and what’s to come in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!