By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor

The News & Journal was pleased to welcome a new staff member as the new year commenced.

Amy Drainer assumed the position of advertising representative on January 2, 2017. Editor Leigh Merrifield had previously assumed both editorial and advertising responsibilities but thought that each of those posts deserved full-time attention.

Amy grew up in Joetown (Marion County) and graduated from North Marion High School in 1995. She also attended the Marion County Technical Center where she acquired business and technical skills and formerly worked as an administrative assistant, putting those proficiencies to good use.

The mother of five children ranging in age from 18 to six, Amy admits that she is taking her first footsteps into the newspaper industry, but she calls it a “happy accident” that she applied and was chosen for the job.

“I feel a great sense of pride working here at The News & Journal,” Amy commented. “I am not invisible and I don’t melt into the rest of the staff. I have my own duties to perform, and although the learning process may take some time and there is a lot to remember, I am eager to meet the challenge and I’m enjoying it immensely. The staff has been wonderful to work with; it is a friendly, positive environment; and I have learned much already. I am anxious to come to work every day!”

Amy says that she is looking forward to venturing out and making new acquaintances and working one on one with clients to develop good relationships.

“Since mentioning to people I know about my new job, I have heard so many comments that confirm this newspaper has earned public trust. It is so well respected and I am looking forward to continuing to work as part of this team to maintain that reputation and to help expand our market area,” she added. “Yet, it is a small staff and a feeling of ‘family’ here, and I love that.”

Although there is much buzz about the demise of print advertising with the advent of so much technology, it is basically a comparison of ‘old school’ to ‘new school’. However, there are many perks to newspaper advertising, the oldest form of advertising. Studies show that the value of print media cannot be replaced because there is such a great deal of difference between reading and just browsing via gadgets. While television and the internet offer rapidly moving images, printed material offers something that can be referred to again and again, making print advertising a worthwhile and valuable investment.
“This local newspaper has worked hard to build a loyal customer base and its reputation has grown through the years. It has a long history and has established trust, and I am anxious to help with that moving forward,” she concluded. “We have many advertising options to fit any budget, and I would like to be a part of helping clients promote their products and services.”
Amy can be reached by calling 304-592-1030 or via e-mail at newsandjournal@yahoo.com.