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Featured business: Cascadia Daily News publishes first print edition, bucks national trends

[Bellingham PR & Communications assisted Cascadia Daily News with PR and branding during its startup phase and as the paper was working to build an in-house team. We are beyond thrilled that this local newspaper launched and that citizens have access to an elevated level of local news coverage. We wish the CDN team all the best and encourage all to subscribe.]

Against the odds and bucking national trends, a dozen journalists employed at Cascadia Daily News began publishing a fresh, enterprising newspaper from a newly constructed newsroom in January — rising from the ashes of an industry in crisis.

CDN started publishing news online at cascadiadaily.com from its downtown Bellingham newsroom Jan. 24. On March 2, the first-ever print copies of Cascadia Daily News became available — for free, during an introductory period — at about 50 locations throughout Bellingham and Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Consumers have already responded positively. Local news and sports coverage have been atop the list of popular content on CDN, with opinion columns and arts and entertainment articles also popular.

“Hardly a day goes by that we don’t get positive feedback from our readers,” said Ron C. Judd, executive editor of Cascadia Daily News. “It has been very encouraging and rewarding, and seems to reflect the local thirst for a fresh, independent news voice.”

A veteran Northwest journalist, Judd said it feels great to help produce quality online content and now a printed paper that people can hold in their hands and take out for lunch.

“The first print run was a milestone moment for Cascadia Daily News staff and for people who enjoy the experience of reading a printed paper,” said Judd, adding that the print paper gives his news staff opportunities to tell stories in ways that don’t translate as well in digital media.

By publishing online daily and in print weekly, CDN aims to push back against trends that show an industry in decline across the nation during an era of hedge fund-controlled media chain downsizing.

Click to read more: While 100 papers close per year in the United States, how to subscribe to Cascadia Daily News and support local journalism.

ARTICLE: How leadership training can help your business

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart.

Consider this: Recent studies indicate that 80 percent of small businesses survive the first year. By the end of the fifth year, about half are still in business. At the 10-year mark, only 30 percent remain.

That data can make small business ownership feel unattainable — or it can be used as motivation to ramp up your leadership skills. By actively pursuing knowledge and new skills, you can push forward, pivot and grow in your industry.

Click to read more: BPRC's founder enrolled in this "ScaleUp" business development training program during the pandemic, and you can, too.

KUDOS: Well-deserved recognition for a BPRC client

“We consider it an honor to serve and to share life with the people entrusted to our care.”

That's what Christian Health Care Center's administrator Tonja Myers said during a recent interview in Business Pulse Magazine. The interview was part of being recognized as one of four finalists for Business Person of the Year in Whatcom County.

Tonja has decades of experience in the long-term care industry — experience that helped protect residents and guide CHCC through the ravages of the COVID-10 pandemic. Read the article here: https://businesspulse.com/mar-apr-2022/

Congratulations to the other finalists, including Josh Burdick from Veritas Media & Studio V, John Huntley from Mills Electric and John Barron From Barron Heating. All four finalists have impacted Whatcom County in positive ways. One will be selected as BPOY March 24.

Retaining the services of a PR and communications team is an important decision. You’ll want to make the best choice possible, so it’s worth investing time upfront to understand the options, identify your needs and consider your budget. Click here for two documents (10 minutes to read both) that will help you through the process.

A WELCOME CHANGE OF SCENERY: Matthew and family return from Arizona

Last month, my family ventured to Arizona for a week and a half of sunshine. We were welcomed by rainy, windy, 35-degree weather, but that gave way to warm sunshine after a day or two. During our time in the Phoenix area, we drove up to the Grand Canyon (using our free National Parks pass for fourth graders through the Every Kid Outdoors program) and caught the sunset in Sedona. Beyond that, the boys spent hours upon hours in the pool. It was a working vacation for me, but the change of scenery was nonetheless welcome. It had been a while since our family had traveled, and we were reminded how much we enjoy seeing new sights, people-watching in the airport, and simply exploring as a family.

Matthew Anderson
BPRC editor and content strategist

We have family in Arizona, so we visit fairly often. Where should we go next time? Please send some ideas to matthew@bellinghampr.com.