One foot in front of the other. One bite at a time. Each day as it comes.
That, of course, is how progress happens. It’s not usually overnight. More often than not, it’s incremental, and when we’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to see it happening at all. Until the project is done and we step back and look at the before-and-after pictures, assuming we were smart enough to take the "before" photos. I’m usually not.
But the Quill does have “before” photos of the particular change that’s finishing up right now, which is very handy indeed.
Last week I mentioned in my column that I would have an update to share about our print shop’s expansion. In fact, the print shop had to close for a couple of days because of the work that was being done. By the time this prints, the transformation will be complete: Print Shop Manager Jacob Simpson will have a new office, where customers can have easier, direct access to him for all of their printing needs.
It’s been a long time coming, but we got it done, folks! And he has painted that office the prettiest, calming blue color that’ll put anyone at ease. Which is probably a good thing, because sometimes printing can be a little stressful, particularly on a tight deadline.
While, sure, Jacob’s new office means a bigger footprint for the shop, it’s more than that.
“We’re increasing revenue, expanding our offerings, entering new markets and refining our workflows to serve our clients more efficiently,” he tells me. I don’t know about you, but I like the sound of all of that.
The Quill’s print shop is as old as the newspaper itself, over 120 years, and in that time, it has developed long-lasting relationships with its clients and deep ties in the community. Jacob has been with the shop for about three years, and he’s seen a lot of change in that short time.
“It’s been exciting to witness and contribute to its growth,” he shares, adding that the creation of the office space means more equipment on the actual print floor — which, in turn, means more efficiency and better quality in delivering the results customers expect.
He wouldn’t let me take a picture before I sat down to write this column. He fussed it wasn’t ready yet, he still needed to set it up and promised to take a photo in the morning. I tried to tell him it was about “progress, not perfection,” but he wasn’t having it. So, if there’s no picture accompanying this column, I’m just letting you know who to hold to account.
But I guess I can understand his nervousness. It’s a lot of pressure.
“We take pride in our lasting relationships with local businesses and individuals, helping them meet their printing and marketing needs,” he reminds me, as though I need reminding. “Whether it’s business forms, envelopes, event invitations, annual publications, direct mailing services, bookbinding, or business cards, we are West Plains’ one-stop shop for all things printing.”
Of course, Jacob. But I still want that picture.
Speaking of all things “progress,” I want to share one more update with you: We’ve revamped the annual Progress Edition.
We wanted to create a fresh-looking, engaging product that both advertisers and readers would get excited about. In the past, our Progress issues tended to focus on what had already been accomplished, and sure you’ll see some of that in the new version. But, as the definition of “progress” is to move forward, we’re changing our viewpoint to look, well, forward.
Instead of one book that inserts into one issue of the paper, the Quill will feature an eye-catching three-week Progress series, each week focused on specific themes with a view toward the future. As an added bonus, each installment of the series will have a trivia contest. Readers who correctly answer the questions, based on the stories featured in that installment, will be entered into a drawing to win a certificate for a Quill subscription.
Our first installment, coming up next Saturday, focuses on Health and Wellness, and Building and Industry. We have about a dozen unique stories planned, covering everything from new and expanded clinics to major industrial developments, and plenty in between. Coming up after that, on March 1, we’ll feature Education and Arts, and Downtown and Community Development. Then on March 8, we’ll focus on Agriculture and Livestock, and Tourism and Outdoor Living.
We’ve been thinking outside the box for this, and the stories that are already in are so good, I’m confident you’ll love them. We have a lot to celebrate here in greater West Plains! Much has been done and much more is yet to come.
