“The October 2017 issue of The Andover Beacon Newspaper is the 13th anniversary of our paper’s service to this community. So it is the perfect time to send a big ‘THANK YOU!’ out to all of our supporters that have made our success possible!” Those are the sentiments expressed by Suzy Brown, who has been handling ad sales for the Beacon for nearly 10 years. She furthered stated “Our existence depends upon both our loyal advertisers and our generous donators. Together they have kept the paper alive for 13 years now. And of course we hope to continue on for many more years!”
When she was approached by Charlie Darling in the fall of 2007 about being an ad sales representative for the Beacon, Brown understood the importance of that position. Having worked for a small newspaper right out of high school and learned early that “enough money must come thru the front door to get the paper out the back door.”
Brown is not the only one responsible for bringing in the ad revenue, which covers about one third of the Beacon’s annual budget. Connie Powers was recruited by Charlie Darling before the first issue was published. She has been selling ads ever since. Powers is an Andover native but now lives in Sunapee.
According to Charlie Darling, there were about 20 advertisers in the beginning. Many of those original advertisers are still in the Beacon every month, such as The Constant Quilter, Spring Ledge Farm, Pleasant Lake Veterinary Hospital, Marshall’s Garage, Andover Congregational Church, Ken Reid Antiques, and Mountain High Kennel.
As we look forward to the next thirteen years for the Beacon, Brown is passionate in her feelings about the paper and its importance in the community. “In our society’s time of cable TV news, texting, F
acebooking, etc it is also important to retain a taste of the “community spirit” feeling that our paper brings with each issue with positive news items about our residents. In this fast paced world, it is easy to forget that we all benefit by retaining the values of being interested in our community’s events and the people around us.”
Brown and Powers are always looking for opportunities to add to their client lists. Increasing the advertising will decrease the amount of fund raising that will need to be done. Brown can be reached by phone at 735-5309 or by email at suzy@nullandoverbeacon.com. Powers can be reached by phone at 763-1275 or by email to Connie@nullandoverbeacon.com.
Tax deductible donations can be sent to PO Box 149, Andover, NH 03216, or visit the homepage of AndoverBeacon.com and click on the “Donate” button.