Celebrating 200 issues of Shore Local
Back in March 2016, I never imagined we’d be where we are today! This copy of Shore Local Newsmagazine marks our 200th issue! If you would have asked me during the production of Issue #1 if we’d make it this far, I may have had my doubts, but I believed in Bob’s vision for the future.
I’d love to tell you that Shore Local was the result of a thoroughly thought-out business plan and launched on the shoulders of a comprehensive marketing strategy; however, that’s not true at all. It was a leap of faith made in a time of necessity. As things continued to go downhill with Bob’s former employer, he saw an opportunity, and we just ran with it. He envisioned a community paper that focused on the people, places, and events that serve as the heartbeat of South Jersey. As one of our team members observed, we “jumped and figured it out on the way down.”
When Bob initially approached me with this grand idea, I was positive he had lost his mind. “Who in the world starts their own newspaper,” I wondered. I put up every ounce of fight I had in me, arguing that we had twins in college, no savings, and plenty of life obligations to worry about.
In retrospect, I’m glad Bob won that argument. I can honestly say that this was the best move of our lives. The people we’ve met, the stories we’ve had the honor of telling, and the lives we’ve touched through Shore Local are priceless.
In the early days of Shore Local, we poured every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears into the growth of the paper. We moved and delivered thousands of bundles of paper, managed branding, marketing, writing, editing, graphic design, web design, and more. Every waking hour was consumed by keeping this baby publication alive. Each lesson, every hill, and valley, every success, and mistake, taught us something new and as time passed, things became easier and easier.
We built our team from scratch. Today, Shore Local has the most incredible group of local professional writers, photographers, videographers, designers, content creators, and more. We are so fortunate for the partnerships, relationships, and friendships we have forged.
Six and a half years after Issue #1, we continue to work hard, not as much because we have to, but because we want to. The cliche is true. When our work finally aligned with our passion, it no longer felt like “work.” Bob and I are more passionate than ever about the potential and reach of Shore Local. Last year we launched our first big community event to benefit the Somers Mansion. We look forward to expanding upon that event again this year.
Shore Local is produced by the community for the community.
We pride ourselves on the commitment to shine a light on our rich history, beautiful coastline, parks, and forests, world-class entertainment, restaurants, and amenities.
Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local, our largest to date. Look for us every Thursday on newsstands and online at shorelocalnews.com.
We would love to hear from you. Email shorelocalnews@gmail.com or call 609 705 5323 with your opinions, events, questions, or story ideas.
Shore Local is made possible by our loyal advertisers, local merchants, and service providers, which make up the fabric of our community. Please make sure to check out their ads and support local businesses.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
