ANGELO LYNN

The Addison Independent hit a milestone this year by being honored with 40 awards, plus three awards for our sister publication Vermont Ski + Ride Magazine. The advertising department won 20 awards, including 10 firsts, and the news department won 20, including 5 firsts. A perennial winner of NENPA’s annual better newspaper content, this year represents the most awards the paper has won in any single year — and we were the most honored newspaper of the 96 which entered this year’s competition.

We don’t say this to boast, but to recognize the excellent work our advertising, news, production and front office teams do to deliver the news to our growing number of readers — both online and in print. We’re up early, out late covering board meetings and sporting events, and working weekends whenever duty calls — which is almost always. And while it’s a lot of work, we’re glad to get news tips, invites to events and important gatherings, and to brainstorm ideas that help make our communities stronger.

It’s no small feat to deliver accurate, trustworthy news through our print edition each Thursday and our four newsletters on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. And it takes a real team effort to provide articulate and insightful marketing ideas to area businesses to help them get the most out of their marketing budget ­— whether that’s in print, or in one of the many digital products we offer (from building inexpensive websites to managing aspects of our customers social media.)

None of that hard work is possible, however, without the iron-clad support of the business community, our readers and our supporters. As we’ve noted before, it costs us about $35,000-$38,000 to produce each edition of the Addy Indy, which means the $2 you spend on each issue is one heck of a good deal!

How can you help? If you’re an occasional reader, buy a subscription and join us 52 weeks a year. If you’re a subscriber, consider joining the ADDY ALL-STARS — from $50 on up. Every extra dollar counts and is greatly appreciated! (Just Google ADDY ALL-STARS and follow the prompts.) If you’re a business owner, consider calling our marketing team to help promote your company. Our team is among the best in the field, and just as buying goods locally is important, buying advertising locally also makes the community stronger.

Above all, keep reading, stay engaged, write letters, and work to make your community (town/state/nation/world) better by advocating for the common good. Be hopeful, diligent, and never tire. If you can, and do, we’ll all be fine.

Angelo Lynn