Claresholm local press has Sold

and Roxanne Thompson will Retire!

Thank you, Claresholm, for the memories!

Roxanne Thompson, Local Press
It seems that in the blink of an eye 36 years have passed since I first walked through the doors of the Claresholm Local Press. Little did I know, that when I accepted the position of bookkeeper in 1985, it would lead to so many years of fulfillment serving this amazing community! It was never a chosen career to work in the newspaper business, so who would have guessed at that moment in tim the newspaper business would become my career, my business and my life.
I hardly know where to begin to thank so many people for all the amazing memories, but I will do my best to recognize all who meant so much to me.
I first have to acknowledge my good fortune to have worked for, and have been so influenced by, three of the most amazing and highly respected newspaper publishers in the Alberta Weekly Newspaper business. Those three men were Paul Rockley, Gordon Scott and George Meyer. I will be forever grateful for the lessons and opportunities that were given to me by these three gentlemen.
The newspaper business would be nothing without the many business owners and managers who I have had the good fortune to have worked with over the years. I recall having great conversations with fellow business people such as Don Green, Ken Baker, Keith Alder, Sunny MacMillan, Marianne Williams, Stu and Brenda Derochie, Doug Fletcher, Fern Norby, Norm and MaryAnne Elford, Doug Townsend, Josh Thyssen, Mike Blades, Brian Smith, the Douros family and so many others. The business climate has certainly changed since I first came to work at the paper, but one thing hasn’t changed – our little town has so many great businesses! We all need to remember that and continue to support them however we can.
I remember with great fondness some of our most dedicated readers and contributors to the paper. The amazing Jean Hoare wrote a weekly column called Driftwillow Diary, many of you remember her award winning restaurant – the Flying N Restaurant. She was a local treasure whom I truly admired. Bob Arlt and Wes Alm wrote many “Letters to the Editor”. Their common sense approach to life and politics would still be useful to our present day politicians. I will always treasure a poem that Bob wrote about me and my barrel racing endeavors. I am the proud owner of a barrel racing sculpture that was given to me by Joe Takahashi, a very kind, unassuming man who was a great asset to our Royal Canadian Legion. I have a very special photo of myself with Harold Seymour, who presented me with the Town of Claresholm pin when I became the proud owner of the Local Press. I was able to work with so many incredible community members with various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, History Book Committee, Ringrose Park, Claresholm Food Bank, and Christmas Hamper Program. I feel so very fortunate to have worked with so many volunteers who gave their time and expertise. People including: Don Leonard, Kathy Davies, Mable Both, Doug Leeds, Carmelle Steel, Maxine Middleton, Dale Seeman and Marie VanderLinden, Rosemary Wishart and Arnold McAulay, and so many others. We are so lucky to have so many amazing people and volunteers in our community!
Next I would have to acknowledge my many co-workers and then employees over the past 36 years. It is truly amazing the lifelong relationships that come out of spending 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with people! I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you.
I have to express my love and affection for two very special people. When I first came to the Local Press both Roy Pachal and Dorothy Smith were working at the paper. These two individuals quickly became like family to me and even after they both reitred, we continued to celebrate our birthdays and special occasions together. Both Roy and Dorothy are no longer with us, but I treasure every memory and miss them every day!
I cannot begin to express my gratitude and affection to Amanda Zimmer, Rob Vogt and Brandy McLean. Amanda came to work at the paper in 1999, Rob in 2001 and Brandy in 2003. These three very special individuals have stuck it out with me through thick and thin. Together we have won many awards and accolades from our peers in the newspaper business. All three continue to work hard to bring the local news to our readers and are truly dedicated to the entire community. Each one have contributed time and expertise to so many organizations in the community. I feel at peace leaving here and knowing they will continue to put forth their best efforts to continue the weekly newspaper traditions.
The thing I am most proud of is that the Claresholm Local Press will remain an independently owned and operated newspaper and will continue on under the most capable leadership of Amanda Zimmer. It will continue to be operated with the dedication to community that has been the goal and pride of each owner and publisher since it was started in 1926. Newspapers have changed with the coming of the digital era, like so many other businesses. But Facebook, Twitter and Google – do not attend council meetings and local sports events. They do not attend graduations and cover the trials and tribulations of the local citizens. They do not join the local Chamber of Commerce, or sponsor community events and organizations that the Local Press does each and every day! Our readers still like to see engagement and birth announcements, they still like to see who is celebrating milestone birthdays, they like to read about new businesses and local heroes, and read and write Letters to the Editor. So now that I no longer have a financial vested interest in this long time business, I urge each and every business and local citizen to continue to support the Claresholm Local Press whenever you can.
So in parting, thank you Claresholm! Thank you for all the wonderful memories!

Excited for the future as owner

Amanda Zimmer, Local Press
After 22 years as an employee I will now be the owner of the workplace I absolutely love.
On May 1, the Claresholm Local Press changed ownership after we officially signed the papers to complete the purchase.
I am passionate about our community, my passion has been shown through the various volunteer roles I’ve held over the past 20+ years. I am still committed to the development of our community and have an active role as the president of the Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce and a board member on the Welcoming Claresholm Committee. I feel this connection to community, and the relationships I’ve developed are benficial in my role as a community newspaper publisher.
I believe the community takes an active role in our newspaper, and want to continue acting as a hub for information to the community. We rely on the community to continue inviting us to events, activities and to report on issues. We always welcome news tips, photos, letters to the editor and feedback of our products. We will continue following the Local Press motto to inform and promote our community. I want to see Claresholm grow and prosper.
When I started working at the Local Press, I was still attending SAIT, and coming to Claresholm to visit my boyfriend (now husband), Craig, on weekends. A friend of the family knew I was taking a print related program and told me to drop off a resume. I did just that and was interviewed and hired on the spot by Gordon Scott.
I’ve had the pleasure of creating some lifelong friendships with my current and previous co-workers over the years. I enjoy coming to work every day; and consider the people I work with family. This and my relationship with the business community made the decision to purchase the business easy.
I’d like to thank Roxanne for being a great role model over the years, and for giving me this opportunity. Your support and guidance will always be appreciated!