Comment
Reaching many milestones
by Michelle Minnoch

The release of 'footprints' in last week's edition of The Scope was one of many milestones the paper has reached within the past year.

The paper's circulation has gone from 800 to 13,000, and it is now available online. The number of pages in the paper generally runs between 16 to 20 pages, and just over a year ago it was struggling at 12.

'footprints' has been well received by the community and the feedback we have been receiving has been phenominal! Many of our readers have called the office to tell us it is a welcome addition to their home, while others are stopping me in my tracks, whether I am attending an event or shopping at the grocery store, and telling me what a wonderful piece it is, and what a great compliment it is to the newspaper.

I would like to take the time to thank all of the advertisers, who came on board, supporting our brand new endevor. 'footprints' was a collaboration between myself, Diann in sales, and the girls in the office - our wonderful production team! Without the artistic expertise of these women, Joanne, Lisa, Kristen, Penny - the magazine would have a very different look. Contributors Bruce Haire and Wendy Soloduik brought a different perspective and insight to 'footprints' as well.

I also have to thank you, our readers! When I came on board in July 2005, The Scope was in a sink or swim situation. Although I graduated with a Journalism diploma, it had been 10 years since I took notes, photos, and compiled a story.

Our reporters Susan Stein and Richard Blanchard will continue to keep you posted with Simcoe County and Cookstown news; Linda Gerow and Cathie Miller bring you all the information you need in Churchill and Thornton; and our youth columnist, Kaitlyn Blair, is quite popular and she is on the money, bringing Youth Noise and News to our community.

Thank you for supporting The Scope. Thank you for pointing out my hits and misses. Most of all, thanks for the encouragement to keep our paper going.

I will continue to bring all community events and meeting updates to our faithful readers. I have enjoyed meeting the great dynamic of people that make up our community, and will continue to bring you the latest news.

The Scope - Simcoe County Offers People Everything.