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FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016
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DRIA ECHO PRES N A X E S AL
125
years
1891
2016
PROUD HISTORY BRIGHT FUTURE
This photo was taken in 1920 in front of the Park Region Echo on Sixth Avenue East just off Broadway in Alexandria. Members of the Alexandria Business Association gathered to honor the newspaper’s new location.
Echo Press celebrates milestone T
he Echo Press has been giving information life since 1891 – that’s 125 years of local news, sports, variety, features, photos, government news, columns, meeting notices, event coverage, school and church news, engagements, weddings, births, editorials, letters to the editor, commentaries, business news, classifieds, display ads, coupons, legal notices, obituaries, online news and advertising … and the list goes on. We’re proud to be celebrating this important milestone and invite you to celebrate with us!
FROM THE BLUE BELL TO THE ECHO PRESS
This newspaper got its start in 1891 in Brandon as The Blue Bell, providing a voice for temperance advocates. It changed ownership a few times, and in 1903, it was renamed the Brandon Echo. Eventually, it was taken over by Brandon State Bank. It was later purchased by Carl Wold. Under Wold’s leadership, the paper expanded. In 1908, it was moved to Alexandria and renamed the Park Region Echo. At that time, it was distributed to 600 readers. By the time Wold sold the paper in 1918, it was the largest newspaper in Douglas County with the most modern printing equipment.
CELEBRATE WITH US! The Echo Press will host an open house on Thursday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at 225 Seventh Avenue East in Alexandria. Join us for pork chops made by the Douglas County Pork Producers, root beer floats, souvenirs and good old-fashioned fun!
The newspaper was purchased by a committee representing the Farmers Shipping Organization, which organized the Park Region Publishing Company, selling stock at $20 a share. In 1937 under the direction of renowned editor Charlie Coy, the Park Region Echo gained national prominence as winner of the National Editorial Association General Newspaper Excellence trophy as best weekly newspaper in the U.S. with circulation of more than 1,000. Following World War II, two long-time employees left the paper and started their own competing publication in Alexandria called the Lake Region Press. The Park Region Echo became a daily in 1969.
In January 1970, the Lake Region Press purchased the Park Region Echo and began publishing a twice weekly paper – one edition called the Lake Region Echo, the other the Lake Region Press. The name was later simplified to Echo Press. In 1974, the company constructed a 4,200-square-foot building at 121 Fifth Avenue West, which it operated out of for 20 years. In 1990, Forum Communications Company purchased the Alexandria newspaper operation. In 1994, Echo Press moved into a new 13,000-square-foot building at 225 Seventh Avenue East in Alexandria, where it is located today.
TIMELINE: 1891 The Blue Bell
1903 Brandon Echo
1908 Park Region Echo
1970 Lake Region Echo and Lake Region Press
1991 Echo Press
Jody Hanson
Giving information life, for 125 years!
From the Publisher
Happy anniversary to all of you! Yes, the Echo Press is celebrating its 125th anniversary, but we know it couldn’t have happened without all of you, our loyal readers, advertisers and local newsmakers. A newspaper is only as strong as the communitiy it serves, and we have thrived for 125 years because of the strength and vitality of this incredible community. I also want to pay tribute to the incredible Echo Press staff. Combined, our current employees have logged an amazing 458 years of service to this company. They care about this newspaper and the community it serves, and they show that each and every day. So thank you for your ongoing support, and happy anniversary! Jody Hanson Publisher Echo Press
“A newspaper of color, courage and integrity.” December 10, 1964 article referring to The Park Region Echo
Come help us celebrate our 125th Anniversary!
e h t s s o T aann bbaaggss
and have a chance to save $ on a one-year Echo Press subscription!
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Through the hole gets your subscription for $34.75 (local area) Anywhere else on top of game board saves $10.00 off your regular subscription price.
225 7th Ave E, Alexandria Game rules: Toss 3 bean bags and you get to keep the one that saves you the most! (only one bag can be used for your subscription discount new or renewals.) Not good with any other offers. Subscriptions are non-refundable.
EXTRA
FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016
you!
We are thankful for … To “celebrate” means to “mark a significant or happy day or event, typically with a social gathering.” But celebrating is also a way of giving thanks. And that is exactly what our 125th anniversary celebration is all about – giving thanks to those who are part of our past, present and future. As we celebrate, we are thankful for …
Our readers.
Research shows that each person who subscribes or buys a newspaper on the newsstand shares it with more than two other readers. That means that more than 20,000 people are reading the print version of the Echo Press. Along with the twiceweekly paper, we also publish 30-plus special “niche” tabloids each year, ranging from real estate guides and wedding planners to industry publications, a hunting/fishing publication and a women’s magazine. These typically are passed to other readers even more often than the newspaper. Our online edition reaches some of the same readers, as well as tens of thousands of others. The Echo Press website www.echopress.com reaches 10,000 unique visitors each month, with more than 800,000 online pages read each month.
Our advertisers.
Nearly 29,000 advertisements have appeared in the Echo Press in the past year. More than 1,100 garage sales ads are published annually! A newspaper simply could not be printed without the support of its advertisers. There are even a few businesses that have been advertising in the Echo Press for nearly as long as the newspaper has been in existence – 120 years! And our online newspaper offers advertisers a worldwide reach.
Our news sources.
Our contributors.
One of the most commonly asked questions during newspaper presentations in area schools is, “Where do you get your story ideas?” The answer is from people like you! People stop by, call, write or email to tell us about an interesting neighbor down the road, about a new business starting up, about a brewing controversy, or about an upcoming community event. We publish approximately 300 letters to the editor each year, giving people a voice on the topics that matter most to them. Our online edition generates reader comments and discussion, giving readers another avenue to share their views.
Our community.
A newspaper plays an important role in a community, especially smaller communities in rural areas. We have taken that role very seriously through the years and work hard to be a trustworthy source of Douglas County news. We are committed to this community that we have called home for the past 125 years. We do our best to give back by hosting various community events, financially supporting a variety of other events and projects, and our employees log hundreds of hours of volunteer service annually.
You!
Whether you are a reader, an advertiser, a news source, a contributor, or simply a member of this community, we thank you. We’re proud to have served you for the past 125 years and look forward to the next 125!
Without the cooperation of local government officials, law enforcement officials, athletic coaches, school personnel, and the many, many others whom we contact one time or many times to “get the facts,” there wouldn’t be a story.
Bill Marcil Jr.
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As we look back on history, we think about the road that must be traveled in order to make something great. The Echo Press, founded before the turn of the century, has traveled a similar road to greatness. With 125 years since its establishment, we take a moment to reflect and celebrate the victories and hard times that have brought us here today. Through good times and bad, the Echo Press has reliably proven to breathe information to the hearts and minds of Alexandria’s community. While striving to be relevant in an ever-changing society, the Echo Press continues to be recognized as an award-winning newspaper receiving numerous awards throughout its vibrant history. Now, 125 years later, we honor this journey. Happy 125th Anniversary, Echo Press! Bill Marcil Jr. Publisher of The Forum President/CEO of Forum Communications Company
“You know community journalism when you see it; it is the heartbeat of American journalism, journalism in its natural state.” Jock Lauterer
JOURNALISM PROFESSOR
Congratulations!
On behalf of Garden Center Bowling Center, Fat Daddy’s and the Broadway Ballroom, we extend our heartiest congratulations to the Echo Press on your 125 anniversary. With your commitment to reporting the news for our community you have time to time proved your worth and have gained the much deserved recognition and fame. With your services, the community has gained a lot. We wish you all the success for many more years to come, and we hope to continue doing business with you in future.
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From the CEO
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Matt McMillan
Proclamation WHEREAS, the Echo Press newspaper has been providing information for readers in the City of Alexandria and all of Douglas County for 125 years; WHEREAS, the Echo Press has been the official newspaper of the city and the county for many of those years, publishing required legal notices, tax delinquency lists and other public documents; WHEREAS, the Echo Press has served as the public’s eyes and ears at local government meetings by providing coverage of city, county and school board actions; WHEREAS, the Echo Press maintains an updated, vibrant website that draws more than 100,000 unique visitors a month who view more than 800,000 online pages;
FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016
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From the VP
The year 1891 was big. Minnesota created its first state park at Itasca, construction was finished on the James J. Hill house in St. Paul and the Echo Press began serving readers and advertisers in Douglas County. It is hard to imagine the trials and tribulations those early editors and employees endured. Like other early residents, they had a pioneer spirit that kept the Echo Press going through thick and thin. To the many generations of residents who read and continue to read – thank you. To the many generations of employees who gave of themselves to serve both readers and advertisers – thank you. Here’s to you. Happy sesquicentennial.
WHEREAS, the Echo Press has provided promotional opportunities for local business and organizations through a variety of print and online advertising strategies; WHEREAS, the Echo Press is a long-standing local business that has provided jobs and added to the economic vitality of the city; WHEREAS, the Echo Press has been a staunch defender of First Amendment rights, open meeting laws and the public’s right to know; WHEREAS, the Echo Press has been recognized for excellence by its peers through the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the National Newspaper Association by receiving more than 150 awards in the last 15 years alone;
Matt McMillan Vice President of Newspapers Forum Communications Company
WHEREAS, the Echo Press will hold an open house on Thursday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its office at 225 7th Avenue East in Alexandria to celebrate 125 years of giving information life; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Alexandria: That Thursday, June 16, 2016 is proclaimed to be
“A newspaper is the center of a community, it’s one of the tent poles of the community, and that’s not going to be replaced by websites and blogs.”
ECHO PRESS DAY in the City of Alexandria.
Passed this day of May 23, 2016
Michael Connelly AUTHOR
Congratulations on 125 years of gathering news!
Congratulations! 001434309r1
We appreciate the opportunity we have had to do business with you over the years, and offer our best wishes for your continued success. Your neighbors to the north
Aquarius - 84, Inc.
PLUMBING • MECHANICAL • HOT WATER HEAT 214 6th Ave E., Alexandria • 320-763-3636
1001 Broadway | Alexandria, MN | 320.762.3200
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bellbanks.com | Member FDIC
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Congrats to one of our loyal customers! (800) 246-7630 • www.wcsanitation.com
Celebrating 125...
Congratulations Echo Press
Thank you for keeping us informed for all these years!
From the Staff at Martinson Insurance. AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH • BUSINESS
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“Good Neighbors You’ve Come to Trust”
12791
518 Hawthorne St., Alexandria 320-763-6518 • 800-757-6518 • www.martinsoninsurance.com 001433537r1
Alot has changed over the Years but Relationships
Endure Generations!
Congratulations to the Echo Press
for being our community leader in news for
125 years.
320.762.8645 ellingsons.com
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Ellingsons is proud to be one of your local contractors to service your business.
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INVESTING IN YOU SINCE 1903
EXTRA
FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016
Newspapers connect
businesses to customers
For more than 300 years, advertisers have been turning to newspapers to promote their products or services. One of the first newspaper advertisements ever published was an announcement selling real estate on Oyster Bay, Long Island that ran in the Boston News-Letter on May 8, 1704. Twenty-five years later (1729), Benjamin Franklin began publishing The Pennsylvania Gazette, which included enough paid advertisements to cover the expense of producing the paper. Newspaper advertising grew quickly from there. It also opened new doors for women. At the turn of the century, there were few career options for women in the business world. Since women were often responsible for much of the purchasing in their household,
advertisers recognized the value of their insight during the creative process. Women were hired by companies to help create advertising as well as to sell it in many instances. From 1900 until present day, companies have relied heavily on newspaper marketing to sell their products. Of course, today’s advertising is much different than that of the early 1900s. Ever-changing technology has brought the black and white line drawing advertisements of a century ago to the full-color, intricately designed, unique and complex advertisements of today. And of course, marketing through the Internet opened new opportunities for advertisers and contributed to the “dot-com” boom of the 1990s.
Newspapers grew along with the changes and began publishing online newspapers along with print newspapers, giving advertisers countless options to reach their targeted audiences and potential customers. The Echo Press has been helping local businesses communicate with their customers since its inception in 1891. The newspaper has won numerous advertising awards through the years and most of the current sales representatives on staff have been working in the newspaper industry for 15 years or more.
DID YOU KNOW…
Congratulations Echo Press from the Viking Plaza Mall! 3015 Hwy. 29 S, Alexandria • Wi-Fi Hot Spots Available! Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm
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• A local Echo Press subscription gets you the paper for only 69 cents per issue!
• One call to (320) 763-3133 can get your ad in more than 35 newspapers and websites across the Midwest.
• Besides the twice a week regular newspapers, the Echo Press also publishes more than 120 special publications, special sections and “extras” annually.
• The Echo Press and its employees contribute thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to local causes each year.
• The Echo Press editorial team has received 68 awards of excellence from the Minnesota Newspaper Association over the past 10 years. • Rural independent carriers travel 3,868 miles per week to deliver the Lakeland Shopping Guide, which equates to 201,136 miles a year.
• The existing Echo Press employees have worked a combined 458 years for the company. • The Echo Press brings you a variety of local events, including the Lifestyles Expo, Women’s Expo, Santa Day foodshelf fundraiser, Ladies Night Out, Wedding Show, Taste of Home Cooking School, Strike Out Illiteracy bowling tournament and more!
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Congratulations Echo Press on 125 years!
Bremer Bank is
proud to congratulate the Alexandria Echo Press on 125 years!
It is an honor to partner with you
www.WinningEdgeGraphics.com
320.763.7953
202 Maple Street • Alexandria, MN
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Alexandria 763-6622 • Brandon 834-2249 800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2016 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. CongratulationsEchoPress.indd 1
5/26/16 9:57 AM
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FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016
Congratulations.
From your friends.
Willmar
Cloquet
Mitchell
Duluth
Blackduck
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FRIDAY,
June 10, 2016