Getting to Know You

Advertising: Getting to Know You

     I am quite certain this publication has been around long enough to cover every conceivable advertising topic. In fact, I’ll wager that the very first column my predecessor wrote was one in which he introduced himself to the membership and then espoused the merits of the Classified Network, the 2x2 Network and the MAPS program.
      It occurred to me that I probably should follow suit and write a similar column to introduce myself as the new advertising director. I could tell you how excited I am about moving to this growing, affluent market and how enthusiastic I am about working for an organization that affords me the opportunity to be aligned with not one great newspaper, but with many great daily and weekly newspapers. What I really want to talk about is the warm and gracious reception I have received.
      During the recent MDDC Press Association Convention at Rocky Gap Resort, I was able to meet many of the people who are involved with the publishing of newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
      Having been at my new job for only six days, I was somewhat nervous as I attended meetings and tried to be articulate about the budget, the day-to-day MAPS operations and pertinent issues facing the MAPS program. My feelings of inadequacy were soon assuaged because during or after every meeting, someone, be it publisher or advertising director, sought me out to extend words of encouragement or welcome.
       I have received invitations to visit the respective newspapers of Association members. Val Kurapka, classified manager at The Washington Times, has graciously invited me to meet the with advertising personnel there this month. Darel LaPrade, Independent Newspapers ad director, asked me to visit the Delaware State News. Mike Towle, senior advertising sales manager at The Washington Post, along with Ron Sweeney, The Post’s ad agency relations manager, have extended an invitation to come to their paper. Larry Effingham, publisher of The Star Democrat, has been, and continues to be, a real mentor, and Joey Vance, corporate accounts director for Chesapeake Publishing, has been extremely supportive during my transitional phase here at MDDC. I would be remiss if I did not mention the warm reception I received from Legusta Floyd, editor and publisher of The Prince George’s Post and MDDC president. Not only was Gus the epitome of cordiality, but he also spent a great deal of time discussing his newspaper with me.
       This is what it is all about, newspapers using their collective strength to benefit all. Here at MDDC we feel we are each newspaper we represent. In the coming months I hope to meet you all. I look forward to working equally hard for every newspaper. The more I know about your specific newspaper, the better my ability to work for you.