Fourteen years ago, on a cold winter’s night, we distributed the first issue of TheBurg.
A lot has changed for us since then, and I’d like to use this month—our anniversary month—to announce another big change.
As the calendar flips to a new year, we have new leadership. Well, more correctly, we have new old leadership.
With the January issue, I am TheBurg’s majority owner and full publisher, an upgrade from minority owner and co-publisher. I’ll also continue as editor, so readers shouldn’t expect any radical departures in our content or operations.
But that’s not the real excitement.
For me, the real excitement is TheBurg’s two new co-owners—our long-time sales director, Lauren Maurer, and equally long-time creative director, Meg Caruso.
For 10 years, Lauren, Meg and I have been “TheBurg team,” and I couldn’t be more thrilled now also to call them my business partners. With this, TheBurg truly has become an employee-owned company.
There’s a good chance you already know these two incredibly talented people. So, if you see them around town, feel free to give a quick “congrats.” But not too long please—we have work to do!
Also, I want to offer my greatest thanks to TheBurg’s former publisher—and my former co-publisher—Alex Hartzler.
A decade ago, Alex saved TheBurg from imminent extinction and then helped us build a sustainable business, a Herculean feat these days for a small, independent publication. Alex has promised to continue offering his wise business counsel, which we certainly will take him up on.
Well, enough of this navel-gazing—I have swag to sell!
Last month, for the first time ever, TheBurg began to offer branded merch—T-shirts and sweatshirts. You can choose from two designs: our logo or a unique, Harrisburg-themed design featuring the Walnut Street Bridge.
What a great way to celebrate our new ownership—or just demonstrate your love of TheBurg and of Harrisburg. Please visit our website if you’d like to make a purchase.
With that sales pitch complete, I present you our January issue. Happy New Year, everyone!
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
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