To our readers:
This year is exceptionally different than what we could have expected. It has been a difficult one to navigate for our loved ones, neighbors and businesses.
With the holidays now upon us, team members at Ballantine Communications want to remind the community to keep family-owned and operated businesses at the top of your holiday shopping list. As part of the local business community ourselves, we empathize with small, independent businesses.
As your community newspaper, The Durango Herald team continues to produce the news relevant to your daily lives. Day in and day out, our journalists strive to share the stories that help the community become better acquainted with their neighbors, local business owners, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and the events and topics that affect us all. While the newspaper industry as a whole has suffered from downsizing and revenue decreases related to the pandemic, the dedicated members in the Herald newsroom continue to produce the content that is important to you and your family.
Meanwhile, our creative employees have been collaborating with regional organizations on important projects to encourage community engagement. We recently produced the special event guide for the annual Noel Night in partnership with Local First, and we are excited to be accepting nominations for the 2021 Women in Business Awards. Nominations are open until Dec. 31, and we hope to be able to gather to honor winners at an event in late March.
Though the newspaper’s editorial department is separate from our advertising sales department, we are both under the Ballantine Communications umbrella. Our professional sales representatives at Ballantine Communications are doing extraordinary work with business owners to communicate important messages to their customers about how to safely shop, dine and visit them in print and online. By offering special holiday rates, expanding digital products and launching a shopping local advertising campaign on behalf of local businesses, our advertising team hopes to continue to connect more business owners with more potential customers.
Another division of Ballantine Communications, Four Corners Expos, has seen success hosting the community coat drive, so the donation collection deadline is extended to Dec. 31. Four Corners Expos is accepting coats, hoodies, gloves and scarves to benefit La Plata County and Montezuma County residents in need. To get involved, see the drop-off locations below:
The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave.Durango Furniture & Mattress, 835 Main Ave.Durango Furniture & Mattress Clearance Center, 1474 Main Ave.The Journal, 8 W. Main St., Cortez.Finally, we want to extend our gratitude for your continued support as readers, subscribers and advertisers. We know that together we can make La Plata County and our surrounding communities thrive. Happy holidays, stay safe and in good health.
Jamie Opalenik, director of multimedia sales & marketing
