Farewell, my friend
Our printed newsletter has had a “storied,” historic past. When I became a member in 2002, The Link, as it was named, was a four-page, two-color newsletter that then Executive Director, Bob Seymour assembled each week. This was an upgrade from the previous weekly roster and newsletter called “This Week,” a one page, 8.5” x 14” publication.
In 1988, at a time during our club history when we were experiencing rising annual membership dues and a projected deficit, Rotarian Paul Raikes suggested the club sell advertising to pay for The Link to help provide a source of revenue for the club. As a result of that recommendation on October 18, 1988 The Link was published for the first time.
During my first introduction meeting to Rotary, I met Rotarian Kari Stolberg, then Chairperson of the Communications Committee. So, I joined the committee and as a professional designer began an initiative with Kari to recommend redesigning the newsletter and all the branding of our club materials. One year later, in January 2003, our first full-color newsletter was printed and delivered to the membership. Every year since that time, through the complete support of Rotarian advertisers, the communications committee has raised $15,000 per year to print and mail the newsletter on a monthly basis. Most years breaking even but some years garnering a profit.
But as technology became ever more a part of our society and “green” initiatives became more important in our society, discussions of going “all digital” became commonplace in the mid-2000’s.
So, here we are today, saying farewell to the printed version of our newsletter and opening the door to digital. It is a bit of an experiment and we will revisit the subject of newsletter delivery in 2010.
Single-page, printed newsletters will be made available and mailed through the club office to members without internet access and per request. All you need to do is call Sue or Susie at 631-3733.
Communication Committee Chair, Greg Albright
Reference: Rotary Club of Indianapolis 1913-1998, A Club, a Community and a Century
