Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Purchased By Better Newspapers, Inc.

To Our Loyal Readers and Advertisers,

The production of this issue of BBM marks the beginning of my retirement, and the sale of Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine to Better Newspapers, Inc., under the able leadership of Greg Hoskins, president and publisher.

Better Newspapers, Inc., is a family-owned publishing company that operates mostly weeklies and shoppers in central-southern Illinois and in southern Missouri. It is an organization founded on family loyalty. His wife, Linda, works in the editorial department. His son, Scott Hoskins, is the vice president of operations, and his other son, Mark, is the regional manager for the main newspaper printing plant, and several newspapers in and around Altamont, IL.

Better Newspapers, Inc. has been diversifying into printing, signage, broadcast, digital and magazines in the past few years to become a full service marketing company.

BBM and Discover Central Illinois magazines represent the 35th and 36th publications for Better Newspapers, Inc.

Broom, Brush & Mop began in 1912, when brothers Frank F. and W.L. “Roy” Collins, also publishers of the local Arcola, IL, newspaper, began production of the Broom And Broom Corn News. The inaugural issue was published February 28, 1912. Even before that, the Broom Corn Corner appeared as a page in the Collins’ local newspaper, The Arcola Record Herald, continues today as part of the Better Newspapers Group, so you could say, BBM has truly come full circle.

My late husband, Don Rankin, and I began our years in the industry (as owners and co-publishers) in 1977, of the Broom And Broom Corn News, which later became Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine.

It has been a privilege and pleasure to be a part of this fine industry. Many refer to the broom, brush and mop industries as niche. Don and I found the industry was not only niche in the sense of the innovative and diverse products created, but a niche because of the fine people who lead the great companies that make up our industry. We found an industry with leaders who honor and respect the diversities of companies and people — all with the positive goal of moving the industry forward — companies and competitors who help one another in times of adversity, and share in times of joy — friendships and associations, and respect that continues through generations including today’s leaders.

Don and I had a truly great and loyal team producing BBM, including Editor Harrell Kerkhoff, Associate Editor Rick Mullen, David Opdyke, and BBM’s lead designer Kris Bott, a great team of talented and professional employees, but even more importantly, all fine people.

As Greg’s team takes over leadership, you will find a group of people dedicated to providing BBM’s readers and advertisers with a product that will continue to inform, educate and promote the industry. The Hoskins are looking forward to attending the convention.

My sincere thank you, warmest regards, and best wishes for the future.

Linda Rankin