Authors note: On my honor I swear by all things good, and holy that in no way, shape, or form were the contents of this column solicited by any person who has or has ever received a paycheck from the organization about which I will soon speak.
On a daily basis I’m constantly finding more and more things, new and old, to add to the list of reasons why I love this community. However last week I realized I had somewhat forgotten, or rather taken for granted one particular organization, led by one amazing group of people, off the list I’ve been chronicling (pun INTENDED). The Chronicle. The local paper, but it’s so much more than that.
Where on earth would we be without the Chronicle in Citrus County? That’s just a question I don’t even want to consider. Having spent the last decade living in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, I can attest to the fact that I never had any quality interaction with any of the large city newspapers. Letters to the Editors were seldom published, press releases not well responded to, events rarely sponsored, and staff presence in the public – barely.
Not the Chronicle though – they are our community. Letters to the editor, sound off, and the website message boards are all opportunities for us, the reader, to give our input. Press releases, the individual city publications, and the features are ways for organizations to get their info out to the masses.
Unlike too many other “media rags” out there, one thing I’ve always loved about the Chronicle was the guarantee that when I would open it I would be greeted with good news. Community milestones rarely go unnoticed by the Chronicle. If it’s a businesses anniversary, a community member who has overcome some type of odds, or the achievement of local children it all ranks as newsworthy items.
It’s no secret the print media world is hurting in today’s economy – but yet where is the Chronicle? Sponsoring major events in the community EVERY DAY. Title Sponsor of the Cooter Festival, the Chronicle. Major media sponsor of the Business Women’s Alliance Health & Fitness Expo, the Chronicle (quick shameless plug, Sept. 26 at the Armory, FREE admission, don’t miss it!). Homosassa Rotary Chili Cook off, Kiwanis Mystery Theater Dinner, Shop Citrus First, Jazz on Bourbon Street benefiting the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the list goes on and on and on.
Obviously the Chronicle wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership and staff it has. I almost hesitate to attempt to do justice to the caliber of people the Chronicle staff are, but I’ll try. The leadership team of the Chronicle are just some gosh darn amazing people.
Gerry Mulligan is by far one of the coolest guys around, and definitely one of the smartest. It doesn’t hurt that he has a heart for this community like no other. Neale Brennan has some of the best ideas and her willingness to get involved in every aspect of this community should be commended on a daily basis. If I continue to go on about the leadership team at the Chronicle it will appear like I’m attempting to get a front page spot for this little column, so I’ll just stop now while I’m ahead.
It’s not just the leadership team though it’s every employee. From the great staff photographers, the sweet ladies in the copy room that always help me with the Chamber page on Sundays, and Brian in the online department who is always there to assist me whenever I call – they all rock. And if you ask them, they love their jobs. They love to be an integral part of this community. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Over the decade I wasn’t living here, www.chronicleonline.com, was my lifeline of staying up on Citrus County happenings. Chances are if you’re reading this the Chronicle is your lifeline too. It’s a critical piece of our community and it’s just another reason why.
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