By Tanya Henderson, Advertising & Membership Relations Director
You’ll see attached to this article an advertisement that features the SNA leadership staff. You’ll also see it in upcoming editions of Suburban Publisher. This is a new campaign that I created after realizing that we offer a different proposition when it comes to association staffing today. I’ve noticed some organizations are leaning back in this area when it comes to industry experience. Leadership may not always be industry veterans – staff may not even have any newspaper experience. It’s not uncommon these days as some associations are bringing in other types of experience – those with nonprofits and fundraising for example. There’s no right or wrong way to run an association but I do think we do have a unique story to tell.
All of us at SNA have varied backgrounds – we’ve been Publishers, Ad Directors, Marketing Directors, Classified Managers, Research Managers – you name it – over 100 years of newspaper training among us. And, we’ve worked all over the country – papers big and small, paid and free, dailies and weeklies. We’ve worked for different companies – independently owned newspapers and corporately run entities. Our staff truly mirrors the diversity of our membership. I’m not saying this to be self-serving or to toot our own horn. Our diversity gives us the framework and understanding of the many challenges that our members are experiencing each day. I think that helps us craft relevant conference programming and member benefits.
It’s our mission and our duty to lead our members with the latest research, innovations and learnings. As we embark on 2011, you’ll continue to see the benefits you’ve come to rely on - free webinars and reports. We’ll also introduce new programs such as the
North America Innovation Mission. This will allow our members a truly unique learning experience.
I have one request from all of you – please be active in your association. Take advantage of these programs and get involved. We’d love to hear from you. Share with us your ideas, what you’d like to see in 2011. Let other newspaper groups know of your support of SNA. If you would like to serve on a committee, please let us know. Make one thing clear – SNA is proud to spearhead these efforts but it’s nothing without the input of our membership.
I along with my colleagues look forward to serving you in 2011.