It’s hard to believe that we are at the start of another year! No doubt, 2009 was a difficult year for many in the newspaper industry. It is remarkable though, how bright the future is for community papers – IF we change and adapt to our ever-challenging marketplace. That’s a big IF – overwhelming to some, commonplace for others. This past year has had its challenges – the economy, the internet, social media, emerging media – it has all changed the way we do business (or at least it should have). But with these challenges there has also come opportunity. Opportunity to find creative ways to meet these challenges, to show how adaptable we are as an industry and to prove why we exist. We exist to provide relevant news and information to our local communities – for the promotion of our local businesses – for the good of our local organizations – for the betterment of our local schools, sports teams, people and families.

Sure – we all publish in varying markets, but one thing rings through & through - LOCAL! LOCAL! LOCAL! It seems as if every speaker I’ve heard this year realizes the importance of being relevant and local. Community papers are THE avenue for local news! We must continue to provide this to be successful – whether it be in our print publications, on the internet, on facebook or Twitter – anywhere and everywhere. We must do what we know best and that is to be what we are – COMMUNITY papers.

That said, here we are at the start of 2010 – another promising year. Promising because it has the potential to be what we want it to be, IF we change and adapt. That’s what we’re doing here in the FCPNY office – changing and adapting. To what you may ask? To the ever changing needs and demands of our members and our industry. Providing you with the member benefits that make the most sense for you. Bringing you experienced speakers who know our industry. Holding training sessions and conferences that leave you ready to go back to your individual publications with new ideas, practical ways to implement them and reminders to get “back to the basics.” We realize that times are tough, but we want to provide you with the tools you need to be successful. Make time to attend the 2010 FCPNY Super Conference on March 22 & 23^rd - it will prove beneficial for Publishers, Sales Managers, Sales & Graphics. Sales Managers – save the date for the 20^th Annual Sales Manager’s Conference – June 13-15, 2010. These conferences provide training and networking opportunities for the “IF’s” in our industry – the challenges that require us to change and adapt.

If you have suggestions for speakers, topics of interest, member benefits or any ways that we can make FCPNY work for you, please share them with us. Our mission is to “unite and educate our members for their strength and prosperity” and we want to continue to be in touch with what’s important to you and to our industry in 2010.

Here’s to what makes us who we are and to a year full of “IF’s” – those things that enable us to grow and prosper.

‘Til next time~

Erika