A lasting legacy
We have been asked many times lately about why Advocate decided to get out of the newspaper business. Many wondered if it was because of the perceived decline in viability for newspapers. In fact, it was the opposite. Community newspapers are seeing a resurgence of readership and support. So, why sell then?
In the last year the Advocate Media leadership team has taken a thorough look at our business. What are the things that we can do better? Where are the areas for growth? What part of the business would be stronger if it was managed under a different model? The last question led us to believe that our small newspaper group would do better if they were put directly into the hands of the communities they serve and disconnected from our corporate model that was attached to other expensive operations. For these newspapers to thrive, they needed to return to the roots of the entrepreneurial owner-operator model. It’s the way community newspapers worked for generations before the media landscape shifted and building newspaper portfolios became the business development trend.
Our group was small by Canadian standards but was still following that belief the bigger is better. For a while, there was strength in numbers. But change in the economy and the composition of our communities that approach to business became complicated for many newspaper owners.
Newspaper groups in Canada started to shrink. Community newspapers closed. All media has felt the ground shift in the last few years. Community newspapers were not alone but have been able to adapt to these unsettling times and find a way to connect with their audience and even attract new readers in an era when most have become trained to digital media.
Newspaper staff have come to the rescue of many of these media outlets. Seeing the success of the small-town newspaper operations across the country, we thought it was time to let these newspapers get back to their origin story and the day when the publisher, editor, salesperson, reporter, and administration staff were all neighbours.
It wasn’t an easy decision. There was a lot of legacy to consider. Newspapers were part of the Murray family for over 80 years,
with the Advocate company in the newspaper business for 131 years. That was not an easy business to walk away from. But we realized that it was the future of the newspapers that was more important than the past.
As they say, the proof is in the pudding. We could not be prouder of the success that Nicole Fawcett is achieving since taking over operations of The Reporter in Port Hawkesbury a little over a year ago and becoming the steward of The Advocate this winter.
A few months ago, Kevin McBain took ownership of LighthouseNow, based in Bridgewater, N.S. There are a few more steps to complete the transition of operations of The Courier in St. Stephen, N.B. The local community television station hopes to relaunch the newspaper soon.
Advocate Media continues to have close ties with the new operators, and we have transition plans in place that will help with their continued success.
Change is tough. It creates many questions. But it can also be the answer.
Crystal Murray, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
A journalistic legacy
Under their new ownership, the recently divested newspapers continue to thrive and garner national recognition. At the recent Canadian Community Newspaper Awards, The Reporter took third place in the Best All-Round Newspaper, Best Editorial Page, and Best Front Page categories, and second place for Best News Story. The Advocate won third for Best Feature Series.
Human capital update COMING HOME TO ADVOCATE
By Jann Moore, Director of Human Capital
Being from Pictou, I have always dreamed of one day coming home to live and work (and retire) near my favorite place, the Northumberland Strait. When the opportunity arose to come home to my roots and work for part of such a well-known and established company and family, I knew it was my chance to make that dream a reality.
Though for the while I will travel back and forth between the Halifax office and Pictou as my youngest finishes high school, it is comforting to know the salt water isn’t too far off in the distance.
I have spent the first part of my career in information technology in Boston and moved home to be closer to family and raise my children in beautiful Nova Scotia. Since then, I have studied and worked in human resources for over 13 years.
When I am not working, I am a mom to two terrific children: a boy in the second year of university, a daughter starting Grade 11. And a dog mom to Harley, my French bulldog.
I’m also a frequent traveller and outdoor enthusiast. As I step into this role with the Advocate Group, I see an opportunity to be part of something great. With this ever-changing world of business, people can be anywhere and be connected to each other the same as working side by side. Growth isn’t just local. It’s anywhere you set your sights on, and Sean and the team are focused on just that!
The role of HR has changed over the past decade, and I’m excited to bring a strategic focus of employee well-being, engagement, culture, DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging), talent acquisition, and career development.
I am here to support you all with all your HR-related needs, offer guidance, or simply lend an ear. My door is always open, whether I am in the office or working elsewhere, I’m available, so please feel free to drop by or reach out anytime.
Over the next couple of months, I will be visiting all our sites and meeting every one of you. I’m looking forward to collaborating and working together for many years to come!
Farewell to Cathy Brown
Cathy Brown recently left her role as Advocate’s vice-president of human capital, entering a well-deserved retirement to spend more time with her family. She leaves behind a team grateful for her service. “She provided great guidance and helped create a more inclusive culture,” recalls COO and CFO Jeff Burrows. Her years of thoughtful leadership forever changed our Advocate family.
NEW HIRES
Livia Moodie
Sharon Matson
Jann Moore
Kazeem Onafawa
Sushant Sutrave
Amelia Levick
Jack Leber
Troy Gage
Elyse Gray-Wheeler
Marketing Assistant (Intern - Summer)
Senior Graphic Designer
Director of Human Capital
Graphic Designer
Sales Support Administrator
Marketing Assistant (Intern - Fall)
Human Capital Assistant (Intern - Fall)
Estimator
Marcos De Souza Lima
Bhawandeep Singh
Rahul Dhamija
Nitish Kumar
Allen Ribo
Kelly Barrie
Mukesh Sharma
Luke McMullen
Clayton McGregor
Michael Marshall
Charlotte Lloyd
Camden Enta
Ethan Myers
Michelle Isenor
RETIREES
Theresa M. Durnavich
Cathy Brown-MacLean
Raylene Taylor
James Brunt
Halifax
Halifax
Halifax/Pictou
Halifax
Halifax
Halifax
Halifax/Pictou
Halifax
Customer Service Representative Pictou
1st Press Person Pictou
Jogger Pictou
Bindery Assistant Pictou
Folder Operator Pictou
PreMedia & Print Production Layout Specialist
Production Assistant
Feeder
Laborer Recycling Pictou
Bindery Assistant Pictou
Feeder Pictou
Customer Service Representative Pictou
Jogger Pictou
Installer/Operator Stellarton
Customer Service Representative Stellarton
Receptionist
Bridgewater
VP of Human Capital Pictou
Bindery Assistant Pictou
Operator Pictou
Employee Spotlight
LORRAINE VANVEEN
Role: Circulation Administrator
Tenure: Over 18 years!
• Hobby: Hiking and spending time with my family.
• Someone you would like to meet: Chef Mary Berg.
• Recent great read: Home Before Dark by Riley Sagar.
• Favourite food: Cheesecake.
• Favourite quote: “Just one positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
ELYSE GRAY-WHEELER
Role: CSR
Tenure: Started October 2023.
• Hobby: I love to crochet in my free time.
• Someone you would like to meet: Christine Sinclair.
• Recent great movie: The Chemist.
• Favourite food: Pasta — any and all.
• Favourite quote: “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
KAZEEM ONAFUWA
Role: Graphic designer
Tenure: Started July 3.
• Hobbies: Spending time with family, soccer, basketball, video games.
• Someone you would like to meet: Kevin Hart.
• Recent great movie: Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.
• Favourite food: Jollof rice, fried plantain, and chicken drumsticks on the side.
• Favourite quote: “Make it simple, but significant” — Don Draper.
TESS
The official office dog of ASG, proud parents Norma and Will Wilson.
Tess, our little basset hound mix, turned 16 on June 27. She lost the use of one of her back legs in January 2022 and has been coming to ASG every day since. Her morning routine when arriving at work is to stop for some treats with Ann Archibald at reception, and then out on the production floor to see Dave MacDonald on the cutter for another treat.
Thank you to Charlie and Advocate for making it possible for Tess to be part of the team!
• Favourite toy: She doesn’t play with toys very much anymore but loves her cat Pearl.
• Favourite treat: Dehydrated duck treats.
• Favourite activities: A short end-of-day walk on the trail behind ASG when weather permits.
Fashion forward
By Danielle Devine
Maine Home + Design was proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for STITCH, the Maine Crafts Association’s annual fashion show fundraiser. A lively celebration of Maine’s fashion, design, and craft scene, STITCH spotlights state’s the slowfashion scene and showcases a talented and diverse group of designers each year.
Advocate announces rebranded B2B storefront
Advocate’s storefront solution, formerly known as PageDNA, has a new identity.
“We are thrilled to introduce Advocate ePrint, our newly branded B2B storefront solution,” says CIO Jeff Merrick. “By renaming PageDNA to Advocate ePrint, we are not only aligning it with our brand but also ensuring a seamless experience for our customers, even as we evolve our solutions.”
To streamline communications, there’s now an email address for all ePrint requests: eprint@advocateprinting.com.
Michelle Roy, Digital Solutions Specialist - Ecommerce, will manage this inbox to ensure prompt and efficient support.
“Thank you for your continued support as we enhance our services and solutions,” adds Merrick.
Advocate Media partnered with Moss Galleries to host an exclusive group of design VIPs at nationally acclaimed artist Charlie Hewitt’s Electric Greenhouse in Portland. Guests enjoyed light bites and refreshments while being among the first to see the debut collection of Hewitt’s unique carved ceramic wall sculptures and signs.
Advocate was pleased to host several hard-working students at the Pictou, N.S., plant this summer. From left: Tess Murray (admin), Jaden Kennedy-MacMillan (distribution), Emily Giles (bindery), Ashley Livingston (bindery), and Mylen Bond (bindery). Missing: Keagan Dalton (maintenance) and Anna Rutledge (pre press).
The Right Notes
Once again this year, Advocate Printing and Publishing supported the Halifax Jazz Festival. You may not know, but in addition to being a gold sponsor, and having the selfie stage on the festival grounds, we also printed lots of signage, posters, passes, and programs. ACG provided design services and our marketing team was instrumental in planning and executing their strategy. If you attended, you may have listened to the cool sounds of Jill Barber, the dance beat of Fitz and the Tantrums or the nostalgic rhythm of Emmylou Harris. Advocate has a year-round partnership with the Jazz Fest, both in services provided and in the fact that they’re based in our Halifax office.
Tech Lottery
As part of our sustainability and tech upgrade initiatives, we will be holding special employee lotteries to give away refurbished laptops as they become available and our first ever Tech Lottery program launched with big impact! Advocate gave away 18 refurbished computers on Sept. 4. Congratulations to our lucky winners!
Laptop #1 – Anne Heighton
Laptop #2 – Helga Fraser
Laptop #3 – Tim Hicks
Laptop #4 – Chris Mitchell
Laptop #5 – Nathanial Webber-Cook
Laptop #6 – Joy Curley
Laptop #7 – Michelle Isenor
Laptop #8 – Jane Scott
Laptop #9 – Lorraine VanVeen
Laptop #10 – Marion Kuipen
Laptop #11 – Darren Justason
Laptop #12 – Mukesh Sharma
Laptop #13 – Sarah Clarke
Laptop #14 – Mitchell Sarson
Laptop #15 – Gary Vidito
Laptop #16 – Gerry Gaudet
Laptop #17 – Tracey Peel
Laptop #18 – Tony Cross
We will hold more tech draws, so stay tuned and good luck!
35th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit
Maine Home + Design recently joined Hundreds of guests at Cover Farm to celebrate and support Acadia National Park. Held under a tent in the stunning Hulls Cove neighbourhood of Bar Harbor, Me., the benefit began with a cocktail hour and silent auction where guests bid on 65 items, including original art, unique experiences, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and beautiful items for the home.
Following an elegant dinner by Bar Harbor Catering Company, auctioneer Lydia Fenet led a spirited live auction that included a three-night stay at Canyon Ranch, a one-week Antarctic expedition, and a weeklong Caribbean charter. The lively evening was closed out with dancing to the Sultans of Swing band. The event raised $300,000 to replace Acadia National Park’s aging fleet of heavy equipment. Presenting sponsor Chilton Trust supported the benefit for the 11th year in a row, with MH+D as the media partner for the evening.
As Advocate continues to evolve and move forward, we reflect on the people who have carried us forward. Here are some of our Dieppe team honouring the end of a chapter as the next one begins.
Expo returns with a new look
By Lisa Sampson
We are thrilled to announce an amazing new partnership with Nova Scotia Loyal as the annual Saltscapes fall event becomes the Nova Scotia Loyal Holiday Expo, running Oct. 25-27 at Halifax Exhibition Centre. It will focus exclusively on Nova Scotian businesses. Saltscapes will present this new and exciting expo, built by Nova Scotians, enjoyed by everyone. If you know a Nova Scotian business that would be a great fit, please contact Lisa Sampson at lsampson@saltscapes.com. We’d also love to hear from you if you’re interested in helping behind the scenes. Many hands make light work!
‘Family
and commitment’
When Advocate Printing & Publishing acquired Maritime Press in 2008, it was a great match, both for the companies and for Tracy Murray, who was early in her career with the Dieppe, N.B., operation.
“I became a part of the Advocate team,” she recalls.
Tracy Murray has been part of the Advocate team since 2001.
“The role has evolved greatly over the years, transitioning from accounting and admin, to typesetting, estimating, scheduling and production to CSR, and now sales.”
Her career evolution has given her perspective on an ever-changing industry.
“Change is who we are,” she says.
“The more things change, the more diverse we become, from adding signs to our portfolio to becoming more proficient at direct-mail campaigns — every day we learn something new.”
It’s the company’s culture that’s made Advocate an enduring fit for her, she adds.
“Advocate’s strong sense of family and commitment to helping one another, as well as our clients, aligns perfectly with my personal values,” she explains.
“Enjoying the opportunity to assist others and witness their growth has created a fulfilling and harmonious fit with the company … I enjoyed volunteering with the Friends of the Trojans and supporting the Humanity project.”
And she expects to keep growing with Advocate.
“There are lots of opportunities with the next generation of clients and coworkers, as well as with existing clients, to share our knowledge and highlight the importance of print and its daily impact,” she says.
Bruce F. Murray Golf Tournament
In August, the Bruce F. Murray Golf Tournament returned to Glen Lovat Golf course and was another great success. Thank you to all our volunteers and participants!
Media team earns multiple awards
The Advocate Media team garnered several plaudits recently.
At this spring’s Atlantic Journalism Awards, Advocate’s wins included Cover (silver) for photographer Steve Smith, Profile (silver) for freelancer Jeff Davies, Social-Justice Reporting (silver) for freelancer Ameeta Vohr, Breaking News (bronze) for reporter Keith Corcoran, and Business Reporting (bronze) for editor-in-chief Crystal Murray.
Crystal also chaired the AJAs board of directors for the past year and is pleased with the success of the revitalized program.
“Celebrating journalism has never been more important,” she says. “While it’s always rewarding and validating to be recognized for your work, the important message today is that Atlantic Canadian journalists are creating unique content that matters. We live in a complicated world with many distractors and influences. Local journalism maintains the focus on what really matters and shares information and stories in an honest and compelling way.”
With several new award categories this year, the AJAs showcased a diverse range of journalism.
“There were close to 300 entries from journalists living and working on the East Coast,” Crystal says. “Celebrating local journalism helps to strengthen our industry and shines a spotlight on the stories and the journalists that keep us connected and continue to define us as a region. Journalism is all about people and the people on the East coast are our greatest asset. I am immensely proud of the awards that our team continues to bring home year after year — not just the AJAs but being recognized by other organizations that value the work that we do.”
Yes! It takes a village. Be a part of our next issue
Submission Date: December 10, 2024
Contact info: Jill Murray, Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 902-455-2870 ext. 1818
902-499-9697
Email: jillmurray@advocateprinting.com
Earlier this year, Keith Corcoran, who remains with LighthouseNow under its new ownership, also received a certificate of merit from World Press Freedom Canada for his successful legal battle to have the court release searchwarrant records.
And senior editor/copy chief Trevor J. Adams recently earned a Bronze Quill from News Media Canada in recognition of 22 years of service with Advocate.