A message from your publisher

Change can sometimes be challenging. Depending on the side of fence you're on, some change is good - some is not.

The rising price of stamps: good for the federal government, bad for rest of us.

College basketball expanding to 64 teams for the 1985 NCAA Tournament: good for college programs, bad for Nevada bookies.

The Royal Register losing Publisher Tom Hinde: good for Tom, bad for the rest of us.

Tom recently resigned as publisher of the Royal Register to pursue other opportunities. He laid the foundation for the Register to be a successful community weekly newspaper and he's handing off the reins. His hard work and tireless efforts will surely be missed.

As a result, I will serve as the Register's publisher and am looking forward to the opportunity. It is a chance for me to return to community newspapering and remain publisher of the daily Columbia Basin Herald in Moses Lake.  

My roots began at a weekly community newspaper, the Othello Outlook just east of Royal City. What made the Outlook successful wasn't the publisher, it was the people and community we covered. 

This is why the Register won't skip a beat - Royal City readers will continuing doing great things and we'll continue covering and promoting them. The Dream Team, outside of Tom, will remain the same.

Editor Ted Escobar will continue covering the events and stories that matter the most. 

Graphic designer Jill Baker will continue designing what I consider to be a top-notch weekly paper. These two alone will keep the Register viable.

Rebecca Jones will continue handling obituaries and legals while Bob Richardson will handle subscriptions and keep circulation growing. 

The biggest change, outside of a new publisher, will be the addition of Joe Erickson who will be handling both the inside and outside sales. Joe has a tremendous work ethic and an easy-going communication style. I assure you he will fit right in.

So, where do we take the Royal Register from here? Thankfully you hold the keys. What makes a truly great weekly newspaper is a truly great community.

Not only is the Register the most effective way to grow your business, it's also the most effective way to communicate amongst your peers. Unfortunately we can't be everywhere, but we can sure try with your help.

Please call or e-mail me with any questions, comments or concerns.

I can be reached at 509-765-4561, ex. 115, and via email, elafontaine@columbiabasinherald.com