My View – May 2025

PRIOR TO RUNNING MY PUBLISHING EMPIRE, I was an enterprising sales professional—a job I started fresh out of college that made me one of the youngest in the office for years and years. Early on, I received advice from older, more experienced people, whether I asked for it or not. One of the best pieces of wisdom garnered was surrounding myself with smart, passionate people who are great at what they do. This advice laid the bedrock for a fun and rewarding sales career and for my role as a publisher.

This month marks the 15th-anniversary of one of the smartest and rewarding business decisions I’ve ever made—hiring Andrea Yancey to work with me here at the Review! For a decade and a half, she has worked quietly behind the scenes, making me look good and always delivering a monthly issue that shines. In her role as Managing Editor, she handles a myriad of things from issue layout, graphic design, production logistics, client relations, bookkeeping and more… way more! In these 15 years, we’ve never missed a printer deadline, a feat that’s rare in the publishing industry! As a self-taught graphic designer, Andrea has shaped the look and feel of the Review into the region’s most professional-looking publication that makes Jacksonville proud. These pages reflect her professionalism and perfectionism… and I am incredibly grateful for her dedication and passion to this project. Thanks for joining me in thanking and congratulating her on 15 years of outstanding work!

This May issue is full of features, articles and editorials that reflect what’s going on in Jacksonville…starting with our cover story by Belita Palu-ay on the Chamber of Commerce’s Third-Annual Parade of Inns. To celebrate Mother’s Day, several of our restaurants and wineries are holding special events and the Garden Club’s Spring Sale on May 10 is the perfect time to pick up a special floral arrangement for mom! Music and art fans will delight in the annual Jacksonville Elementary musical on the Britt Hill and new exhibits at Art Presence Art Gallery. For the wine lover, catch Sandra Colley’s feature on local favorite Rellik Winery… and be sure to mark your calendar for the Applegate Valley Uncorked Barrel Wine Tour on May 17.

No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find it on these pages and in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!