We can’t repeat it often enough: Our north star is “hyper-local” news and information. It’s why we’re hosting the North Star Volleyball Jamboree this week – bringing together the volleyball teams from Springfield, Thurston, Cottage Grove, Creswell and Pleasant Hill to shine a spotlight on the schools, players, and communities.
None of that would be possible without the help and support of Audrea Shelley, the Millers’ athletic director. I’ve required so much hand-holding that I could probably recite the life lines across her palm from memory. Shelley has provided guidance, advice, and insight. She’s rallied support from other schools and various teams within the Millers program.
Quite simply, the event doesn’t happen without her.
Or a few others.
Jason Martorano, an owner and the person overseeing Prime Time Sports Bar & Grill – a local staple on Mohawk Blvd. that features a great pre- and postgame atmosphere with a terrific dining experience – had already donated $5 wooden chips for each players’ “swag bag.” Then he came through with boxed lunches for each of the teams’ players and coaches. Before the games begin Thursday, the players and coaches will enjoy a lunch and hear from Jen Richardson, a well-known community influencer who owns Richardson Media.
Also close to home, Jason Gerber’s Best Roofing and Waterproofing – sponsors of the high school Athlete of the Week – purchased the swag bags. Why? He made it simple: “I just want to support the good things The Chronicle does in our community.”
Local businesses supporting credible, hyper-local journalism. Candice Hook of All-State Insurance said the same. As did other independent business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders of various nonprofits.
It’s great to see colleagues and professional peers standing up for and supporting a free and independent press. In effect, their support endorses a new model of coverage – credible, nonpartisan … and hyper-local.
What might be a surprise to some is how far that message is permeating.
The Chronicle proudly welcomes two new advertisers who provide international heft and brand credibility to the foundation of local journalism: Kendall Subaru and Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
Subaru is known around the world for its commitment to nonprofits – beyond its industry-leading safety record for vehicles. Phil Mendonca is the general manager at Kendall Subaru in Eugene. He was raised in Cottage Grove and graduated as a Lion. He went to church in Creswell, growing up part of Dave Stram’s congregation. Stram, currently mayor in Creswell, is also a piano teacher. In fact, Mendonca’s daughter graduated from Stram’s piano classes. Mendonca, a Springfield resident, made a point to say that The Chronicle’s commitment to nonprofits was a difference-maker for him.
Subaru will now be the presenting sponsor of The Chronicle’s nonprofits coverage, including the monthly Here2Help page. We are committed to covering our local nonprofits every week with features, news, profiles, and trends. Of course, we want to help shine a spotlight on these organizations and the volunteers who make them tick. Look for the first week of each month starting Thursday, Sept. 5.
The other international brand with local franchisees is Papa Murphy’s Pizza, which has stores in Eugene, Springfield, and Cottage Grove locally.
Micki Waters is a fellow Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce member, and said she wanted to support high school sports in The Chronicle.
And while Papa Murphy’s can be found around the globe, its franchises in our local communities are making investments in our schools and students every day.
The Chronicle covers every boys and girls sport at our five high schools with athletic departments, every season of the school year.
Our new sports reporter, McKenzie Days, will also be a regular participant on Fox Sports Eugene’s Friday Night Live high school scores and stats program.
The Chronicle’s top coverage priorities are education, nonprofits, and local businesses. Next week’s editions of the paper kick off a month-long series on Career Technical Education in the four school districts we cover. It’s time for back-to-school events, and businesses requiring skilled labor are lining up in support.
Ryan Thomas of Ryan Thomas Construction and Dave Baake, CEO of Chambers Construction, are among those who have come on board.
Of course, we have our stalwarts – never to be taken for granted. When I purchased The Chronicle in 2019, Jessica Landstra of Farmlands, Rory Tyler of Point S Tire & Auto Service, and Linda Sitterley of Copy Rite have never wavered in their support.
Whether it’s folks down the street running their own businesses, or folks down the street running businesses in partnership with global brands, we’re grateful we can distribute The Chronicle down the streets of our communities.
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