After purchasing The Chronicle on the last day of February 2019, I published a column from March through December of that year that referenced 50 people by first names only. The onset of Covid made meeting people more challenging, and sustaining the column even more so.
We bring back this reader favorite thanks to masks, vaccines, and smart advice from public health officials that are all helping mitigate the impact of the pandemic. So let’s go …
CHRONICLE PHOTO – The Chronicle’s new offices are at the corner of A and 7th Streets downtown Springfield, on the same intersection as the iconic Buick Motors building.
The Chronicle staff is settling into its new offices in Springfield. Our landlord, Adriel, operates A. Gaines Financial right next to us on the second floor. One of his employees, Jonathan, took a job with the USPS last week and we’re all sorry to see him go. … We installed our sign on the exterior of the building on the corner of A and 7th Streets, and Ray from Fast Signs was a big help; Dave handled the installation of the building sign, as well as signs on the front and back doors. …
Speaking of folks in the financial business, Pat of M/S Financial operates one floor below us; he’s a self-described high school sports fan. … Ashlee and Wendi, who both work for Edward Jones but at different offices, were a big help building out ad campaigns. … Sid installed our carpets and did an amazing job; he said he was retired, but the hours and effort he put into our office indicate otherwise. … And for a final item regarding our new space, Eric and Julie at All-Occasion Insurance were generous with their timelines to help us move in. Their business is still close by, right next to Chuck & Alice on 6th St. … … Mona has her beads business in our building on the first floor, and there’s always a steady stream of people going in and out. You can read about her and her business on our website (May 12, 2021).
It’s been a pleasure getting to know Jamie from Bushnell; we’re eager to watch and cover local baseball at the Hamlin Sports Complex. …
We’ve added to our staff in two key areas: Jessica will be focusing on sales & marketing, and overseeing our digital and social initiatives. Dana has been with us for nearly a year now in a part-time capacity, but is taking on office manager duties. That’s on top of her public notary business. It’s been great to have her, Mike, Pasco and Nani part of our work family. …
Michael has been covering business news for us, and introduced me to Scott, who has expertise with SBA loans. … You might have seen a few of Greg’s columns; he founded the Southern Oregon Business Journal and has contributed to The Chronicle on occassion. …
We got to know Anne while she designed the Cottage Grove chamber magazine; by extension, we heard about her husband Alex and their amazing dog Thor (who has his own book, “Thor’s Travels – The Adventures of an American Jack Russell in Europe.” … You’ll be learning more about The Chronicle’s growing staff, and seeing their work in the weekly newspaper, our magazines, website (chronicle1909.com) and on social platforms, namely Facebook and Twitter.
We’ve relaunched our Facebook page to make it easier to engage with us and make your voices heard in a respectful environment. Stay tuned. You will be hearing more about that in the coming months.
I was fortunate to meet and chat with Doug and Kathleen, Creswell area residents from Cleveland … The new Creswell Chamber of Commerce crew, led by Bobby and including RuthAnn, Sandi, Cassie, and Jason, have been a delight to work with. We’re off and running on the chamber’s newcomers and visitors guide; look for it at the start of tourist season in April. … Floyd and Jeanne have breathed new life into the Round Up, and I’m eager to meet the new employees there behind the bar. The big-screen TVs with Oregon and Oregon State sports prominently playing is another plus!
I’ve chatted with many former newspaper people during the past year; Steve recently wrote in The Chronicle about the new football team for gap-year players. The team gives ex-high school players who might have been injured, overlooked, or need academic help a chance to stay in shape and seek collegiate opportunities. I also enjoyed lunch or a beer with Kent, Bobby (be sure to check out his “101 Things to do in Western and Coastal Oregon” magazine, Shelly, and Karen.
Michael, with Solvang Retirement, has been a supporter and recently purchased 1,500 inserts for the paper. … Chrissy, Nate, David, and Liza of Covered Bridge Brewing Group, have been a blast to partner with; the Comedy Showcase was always a terrific night out. …
Shauna and Georgia of the Cottage Grove Chamber also were terrific partners on the annual magazine, and other projects such as the Concerts in the Park. … Bobby’s drone photos from Wildwood added beauty to the CG chamber guide. … Len, Chalice, Eric, River, and Bailey are a great group that inspires us when we see them at the Bank Building or around town.
Noel Nash is publisher of The Chronicle.
