The Not So Terrible Two

Looking at the front cover this week, below our masthead you will see Vol. 2, No. 52 ¬ the last issue of Vol. 2, marking the completion of two years of publication of the Crescenta Valley Weekly. What a year it has been!

Like the second year in a toddler’s life, our second year was one of tremendous growth. While in 2009 there was an undeniable celebration that a truly local community newspaper had arrived on the scene – evidenced by the hundreds of residents who plunked down the $52 annual fee for home delivery – initially there was only cautious investment by advertisers. The financial support by residents and advertisers is what makes or breaks a newspaper and year two saw the support by our advertising community grow in leaps and bounds. The foundational advertisers – including J’s Maintenance and Maid Service, Merle Norman Cosmetics, the many classified advertisers – stepped out in faith by supporting us initially and remaining with us. I’m glad to know that faith was well placed.

What this says to me is that the popularity of the Crescenta Valley Weekly was not lost on our merchants. They realized that the CV Weekly was the best way to get the word out to the foothill community regarding their business. And the community responded by shopping at advertisers’ stores, employing advertisers’ services and attending advertisers’ events. To you all I say, Thank You! We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

Looking over the last two years, I would be remiss in not recognizing those who have had a hands-on contribution in taking us to where we are today. These include the many writers who have bylined in the CV Weekly over the last two years, several designers and a few sales people. Because of the foundation they help lay and the lessons that I have learned from them, the people who make up the staff of the Crescenta Valley Weekly today are truly the best. I am so grateful.

We started year two with a big deal – being recognized as the CV Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. The chamber is currently accepting applications for the 2011 awardees. Categories include business/man/woman/organization of the year among others. Take a moment to consider whom you think should be honored this year. You can learn more by visiting the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.crescentavalleychamber.org or call the office at (818) 248-4957. Being given this honor was truly rewarding.

Also this year, another big deal was being honored with an Empowerment Award from Women In Business. Standing on the dais with other leaders in the business community was very humbling and I appreciate the recognition.

My family and friends have been so helpful and supportive these past two years (and I look to their continued support). They’ve seen me at my worst and cheered me at my best.

As we enter year three, there are some surprises planned that will hopefully relay our gratitude for our advertisers and our subscribers. More on that in the next couple of weeks.

Finally, a reminder that this paper is 100% privately funded meaning that there are no “deep pockets” doling out funds to keep it up and running. It is only by the financial support shown by the community that pays the bills.

So we’ll keep moving forward confidently – the best is yet to come!