Got some change?

Change. The word itself brings many images to one's mind. For some, it is a political slogan which led Barack Obama into the White House. To others, it is a much-feared word signifying upheaval in their lives.

In 1999, my life changed. I went from publisher of the Minden Press-Herald to publisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune. It was a change that brought many challenges. The struggling weekly newspaper was on “life support” by many standards.

For the last 10+ years, it has been my duty and pleasure to be a part of a team that has improved and expanded Bossier's newspaper to a place of prominence in our community.

In 1999, the newspaper published just one day per week. Over the past decade, we have increased the frequency on two different occasions. Today, we are a Monday-Friday afternoon daily newspaper serving the citizens of Bossier Parish.

In that same amount of time, we improved the quality product, both in news and advertising. The improvements did not go unnoticed either. We have won countless awards from the Louisiana Press Association, including garnering Newspaper of the Year honors three times (2000, 2001 and 2005).

We have marked major milestones in our community's history, from the local impact of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, to celebrating Bossier City's Centennial in 2007, to the Bassmaster Classic in 2009. If it impacted Bossier, it was reflected on the pages of the Press-Tribune.

At the beginning of February, change came once again to the Press-Tribune and to me personally. Jim Knudsen was named publisher of your newspaper, while I was promoted to vice president of Specht Newspapers, Inc. While this is certainly a major shift in personnel, the focus of the Press-Tribune remains the same — serve the people and businesses of Bossier Parish.

Jim brings a lifetime of experience in community newspapers to Bossier. As a publisher in Crestview, Fla., Jim worked diligently to provide a community news product which reflected the people he served. Under his leadership, I fully believe the Bossier Press-Tribune will only get better.

For me, this change has brought a new role to my career. As vice president, I will be working the develop new products and opportunities for our businesses in this ever-changing marketplace.

One of the first products currently in development is Bossier Business Monthly, a business-to-business magazine. This product is geared to help businesses in Bossier connect with one another, while learning how to improve what they do from a business standpoint.

The business world is also in a constant state of change and we feel a duty to help our local businesses keep up with that change.

Also, I will continue to be very involved with the Bossier Press-Tribune, offering what help I can to continue to improve Bossier's Newspaper. Jim and I will work together closely to bring the very best news and advertising products to the people of Bossier.

In fact, I am not physically going anywhere. I can still be reached at the Press-Tribune office at 747-7900. My heart is here and my focus continues to be on the east side of the Red River.

With change comes opportunity. It is our hope and plan the recent change here will help Bossier's newspaper continue to grow and serve the greatest people anywhere.

May The Blog Be With You.