June 10, 2004
This independent newspaper, Inside Stratford/Perth, continues to thrive and expand at a time when other small town independents are giving up and selling out.
Consolidation of small town weekly papers in Canada has hit hard over the past five years, with three Toronto based chains buying out independents nation wide. Rick and Nancy Johnson, Owners of Inside Stratford/Perth, have decide to fight this trend as they believe that local ownership economically benefits and positively preserves the identity of the community.
Inside Stratford/Perth has a total market of 65,000 residents per week as it stands for local employment, local content, and local charities. As an example, a large portion of the newspaper is dedicated to free advertising space for charity and local groups that promote positive community benefits.
“Inside Stratford/Perth plays a large role in supporting the Alzheimer Societies fundraising and educational events,” says Lucie Stuart-Burton of the Alzheimer Society. “The newspaper is a strong supporter of charity events and provides us with much needed free advertising space.”
The Johnson’s are leaders in the community when it comes to charity and service group support. However, beyond their dedication and good will towards local charities, the newspaper has a strong connection to the community. Inside the first page of this weekly paper readers can find out "What’s On". Listed are the weeks events, including seniors activities, meetings, courses, workshops, and contests, occurring at the local hall, library, gallery or one of the many churches. Avid readers use this newspaper to connect themselves to the community, and as an avenue to social events further strengthening community bonds.
Another very important avenue this newspaper has created is that it serves as a voice for feedback and commentary on social issues at the municipal level. It is very important to provide readers with the opportunity to voice their opinions to help maintain a social balance in the community. The municipal government needs this medium of communication to adapt their goals to the needs and desires of the people within their community. Inside Perth has a full time staff of 6, with almost 100 delivery contractors that spread out across Perth County on a weekly basis to get the paper to every home and resident. For a small paper, this represents a large employment base.
The Johnson’s are leaders in the community relating to government monitoring regarding a social conscience, as well as charity and service group support. The newspaper’s foundation is "local, local, local" and it is clear that the Johnson’s have chosen the harder route by remaining independent; however, it clearly fits with everything the newspaper stands for. Rick and Nancy Johnson’s hard work and dedication to the newspaper and to the community make them outstanding entrepreneurs.