Big plans, expansions expected this summer for the Phoenix
“Our goal is to provide the very best newspaper for Calhoun County, Iowa”
By: Chris C. Nelson, Owner/Publisher
It has been over a year since Nelson Media Company was contacted to come help save the Graphic-Advocate, which was failing and threatening to shutdown. Tyler Anderson contacted me to form a partnership. The goal was to keep the paper in the gates of Lake City, Rockwell City, and all of the county. A roller coaster ride led us to forming the Calhoun County Phoenix. The Phoenix turns one in August and we are thrilled to share plans for the future, which includes acquiring a building and growing our staff. This significant step forward will enable us to further strengthen our bond with Calhoun County, and all of our readers and customers.
The building acquisition is in the works, but is expected to be complete by the end of Summer. It signifies for us as the news and media leader, that we are establishing a physical presence that will facilitate seamless operations and provide a central hub for community business and engagement. This location will serve as a base for our talented, growing team; allowing us to serve the area more effectively.
Speaking of our team, we are dedicated to assembling a full-staff that is passionate, talented, and deeply committed to this community, and to journalistic excellence. Along side our fearless leader, Karl Jones, who serves as editor and lead writer, we will hire an office manager who will ensure smooth operations. In addition, we plan to hire a part-time sales associate to foster stronger connections with local businesses and advertisers. We recognize the importance of local sports and plan to grow our coverage. Karl will have plans to hire another part-time writer, too.
While expanding our infrastructure and team are crucial aspects of our growth, our primary focus remains on building long-term bonds and relationships within the county lines of Calhoun County. We aim to be a reliable source of news and information that you can depend on for the future. Our dedication to delivering accurate and engaging content is the driving force to success. I personally believe in the power of local journalism. We understand that communities thrive when they are connected, informed, and have a media that holds the powerful accountable. One area that we are laser-focused on is embracing the opportunities presented by technology. We recognize the significance of our online presence in reaching a wider audience, reaching them faster, and reaching readers in new and interactive ways. Our less-than-one-year-old-website will serve as the gateway to modern journalism, multimedia content, and other innovative ideas. It’s the mission statement that makes Nelson Media Company so much different than any other growing media company. Our investment into the future means wins for all communities we are in. The digital age is here; we are fully embracing it and plan to be at the forefront.
As the Calhoun County Phoenix celebrates its first anniversary in August, we look forward to the next chapter in our journey. We realize there were growing pains along the way; we want to thank you for your patience. The new building, new dedicated growing team, and a continued firm commitment to our community, emphasizes our confidence that the newspaper will continue to thrive for many generations to come. Together, let us build a stronger, more connected Calhoun County Phoenix - one story at a time.
