From the largest multi-billion dollar corporation to the smallest mom-and-pop store, one principle holds true: Management of resources is critical to success.

Every penny counts when it comes to operating any type of business.

It is with that in mind that Leader Publications is taking a long, hard look at everything we do. When doing this self-reflection, the overriding question I try to ask is: Does this fulfill our primary objective to provide local news to our readers?

Over the next few weeks I will continue to analyze every aspect of what we do. But I really want to hear from you, our readers.

Many of the long-standing features within newspapers have become somewhat antiquated, yet cost an exorbitant amount of money to provide. Do readers value these things or do they only look at them out of habit? Do they even care at all?

Now is the chance to let your voice be heard.

Do you take the time to read the daily comics? If so, which ones do you like? Which ones don’t you like?

Do you work the crossword puzzle and sudoku? Do you look to our horoscopes to guide your life? Do you go to the newspaper for TV programming information? Is Dear Abby content that has value to you and keeps you coming back to the newspaper?

On the other side of the discussion, what would you like to see that we do not currently offer?

My belief is that showcasing more local news, high school sports, in-depth reporting and human-interest stories are what we can do better than anyone else.

Now is the perfect time to look to reallocate resources to achieve our goal of being the best community newspaper possible. We strive to provide news and information that no one else does, or provide it in ways that are better.

Change is never easy and it is impossible to make everyone happy but informed decisions that align with a clear vision of what kind of newspapers Leader Publications produce — and should produce — will go a long way toward helping us reach an even brighter future.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.