Associate Editor Shawn White with The Tribune was the guest presenter at the most recent meeting of Good Morning Winslow held at the Winslow Visitors Center. White addressed a room of local business owners and community members regarding the long history of The Tribune, upcoming changes and opportunities for those interested in advertising.
White explained that The Tribune newspaper has been in business in Navajo County for 115 years, serving the communities of Winslow, Holbrook, Snowflake, Taylor and portions of the Navajo Nation. “When the Winslow Mail closed in 2007, we dropped ‘Holbrook’ from our name because we wanted to close the gap that Winslow had.” He added that despite that, many Winslow residents still express concern that they don’t have a Winslow-based newspaper with which White responds that he is a full-time reporter, living in and dedicated to covering all of Winslow’s news to the benefit of its residents and those living in the region.
White added, “Every single major event that has happened over the past 115 years we have had our hands on. We’ve been able to discuss some of the biggest developments coming to Winslow and the surrounding areas and we plan on doing the same in the future.” He acknowledged that many newspapers across the country have closed but that The Tribune is looking to continue for another 115 years, serving the residents of Navajo County.
White informed those attending that The Tribune provides the opportunity for business owners to reach a broader audience as it provides coverage of all city council and governing board meetings, as well as other news and events throughout central Navajo County and by doing so, brings the attention of those readers to their business through advertising.
White announced that The Tribune has just launched its new website, allowing articles to be viewed on cell phones and shared across social media. While website advertising is offered, the new site also includes a digital version of the print edition of the newspaper, which includes all the ads allowing for greater value and additional viewing. The Tribune will continue to publish its weekly print edition.
In his presentation, White announced some new advertising programs in order to affordably reach the 2,000-plus weekly readers, who can be reached with very targeted ads. “Another important reason for supporting The Tribune with advertising is that by doing so, it allows us to continue serving the county.” He noted that The Tribune is hoping to employ more reporters in both Winslow and Holbrook to ensure broader news coverage of important events in these communities and that the support of local businesses will make that happen.
He explained that there is a broad range of options for advertising in The Tribune, with a special discount offer of 40% the first eight ads purchased through April 24. All ads are designed in-house at no additional charge. He also reminded business owners to take the business survey. “It’s for businesses to let us know where they are, as far as advertising goes, so that we can better understand what you need and what you want and build a more sustainable business model so that we can continue serving the county for years to come,” stated White.
In an effort to broaden The Tribune’s efforts in the community, White stated that The Tribune will be working with Washington Elementary in Winslow to start a school newspaper. “We’re going to try and get school papers in the junior high and high school as well, and to have one page a month or every two weeks where students can have their own stories printed.” He added that this is a win-win for both The Tribune and the community, as this would expand sales for the newspaper but more importantly to create educated and engaged community members. “I think it does a lot of good for a 9-year-old to be interviewing, asking questions and thinking critically.”
For more information on how to advertise and the cost of advertising with The Tribune, reach out to Matthew Barger at matt@yourtrib.com. To view the new website, visit tribunenewsnow.com.
Chamber CEO Bob Hall reminded those attending to take advantage of Elevate Winslow, an online entrepreneurial academy to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable and successful businesses in the community. Elevate Winslow will kickstart its mission with an orientation session scheduled at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, located at 523 W. 2nd St. Following the orientation, participants will convene every Thursday evening via Zoom for a 10-week entrepreneurial journey.
Hall also welcomed three new chamber members including Color Me Beautiful Spa and Salon, Luxxe Residential and Commercial Cleaning and Soaring Eagle RV Park.
Berry Larson announced that there will not be a farmers market on Jan. 13, but there will be a workshop held on planting a garden and succession planning, “It’s about how to plant garden beds and what really grows well at our elevation,” noted Larsen. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Winslow Visitor Center and Hubbell Trading Post, located at 523 W. Second St. This event is sponsored by the Sweetland Community Garden, Growing on 66 and Mother Road Farmers Garden, and will be taught by master gardeners Berry and Richard Larson.
Winslow Public Works Director Tim Westover noted that the 10,000-square foot concrete slab was in the process of being poured for the new library that is being built next to the Winslow Visitor Center. He explained that a new gas line will need to be put in and will require a trench be dug through the parking lot as that is being done.
The next meeting of Good Morning Winslow will be held at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
