What’s next for The Chronicle?

It’s been an exciting first week in Creswell, as former owners Scott and Jeanne Olson help my wife and I transition into our new roles.
I also want to thank everyone for all of the kind replies to the introductory column; I’m getting a deeper understanding every day why Creswell is “The Friendly City.” Reading through last week’s paper and talking with folks around town, there is ample evidence of neighborly support and real, individual grit.
So, what’s next for The Chronicle?
We’re going to continue on the path that former publishers and staffers have been carving out in Creswell for more than 50 years. They helped stitch together a stronger community with honesty and integrity in news coverage, strong support for the people and businesses of Creswell, and entertaining and informative features about our neighbors and natural wonders.
Here are a few initiatives we’ll be focusing upon, while we continue to learn from readers how best to serve them with the news and information they desire.
■ Enhanced daily, online coverage. We want to create an even more engaging, interactive website where you can find breaking news coverage and useful information regarding our daily lives. We’ll strive for a hand-in-glove relationship among the creswellchronicle.com, the weekly print paper and Emerald Valley Magazines in southern and northern Lane County, providing readers a multi-platform offering of unique and differentiating content.
■ I’m a firm believer in hyper-local coverage. We’ll dig deeper, from the city’s public services to our schools to various non-profits to expanded coverage of high school sports and little leagues. And we’ll do that in an effort to build and promote the people of Creswell.
■ Also, as part of that commitment to hyper-local coverage, you can be confident that “legacy” and “historical” coverage remains a crucial part of The Chronicle’s mission. Vivid storytelling, photos and creative graphics will help us better appreciate and understand our past, and perhaps help us better navigate where we’re headed.
■ We also are fortunate to be part of a university community. I spent six years at The Gainesville Sun, covering the city and area where the University of Florida is based. The richness of the university town, and the appreciation of education and diversity that community inspires, is a great opportunity for more storytelling. It allows for both a global view and local impact. The front door of The Chronicle is fewer than 30 minutes from Autzen Stadium. Same for the Hult Center. We’ll look to find the most interesting and utilitarian value in our proximity to Eugene, and how we work, live and recreate in that area, too.
Our primary focus, of course, remains on Creswell proper.
And before we get ahead of ourselves, let me assure you changes aren’t happening tomorrow. Your input – and patience – not only is requested, it’s required, if we want to be successful. In the next few weeks, you’ll see a “Reader Survey” where we’ll need to hear from you regarding the things you want most from us – online, in print and the magazines.
It will take time to listen, learn and institute any changes or enhancements. Thank you in advance for your support and participation as we continue to serve readers and the Creswell community, and all of southern Lane County.