This is the last edition of the Cortland Standard.
The presses have been silent since August, when we shifted our printing to a facility in Oswego. At the time, I had hoped that cost-saving measure would give us some wiggle room. Unfortunately, despite the hard work and dedication of my talented colleagues, we cannot go any further.
We still had some opportunities in front of us. Many newspapers have found success hosting community events, and that was my plan, too. The editors and journalists just figured out a process to produce more video for our website. The advertising account executives were making sales. The customer service reps were smiling. It’s spring, the sun is shining...
Even now, I desperately want this to work. But I know it can’t. Our print readership continues to decline, and our digital subscriptions have grown too slowly to make up the difference. Advertisers increasingly want to focus their marketing efforts online, at much lower prices. The cost of essential software goes up every year. The cost of fuel is up. The cost of newsprint is up. I can’t afford to pay my people what they’re worth. I can’t afford to publish this newspaper any more.
It was a difficult decision for the owners. This is, after all, a family business — ever since my great-great grandfather, William H. Clark, purchased the Cortland Standard and Journal in 1876. My family loves this newspaper, and this community. They will miss reading the Cortland Standard every day, too. I’m grateful for their support, patience and generosity as the company struggled.
I’m fortunate to have worked alongside giants. Journalists, press operators, advertising salespeople, customer service, compositors, graphic designers, photographers, technicians ... I’ve learned so much, and I’ve tried to live up to the examples they’ve set. The only reason we’ve made it as long as we have is because of the dedication and professionalism of my colleagues. I hate to part ways with them, but I know they will continue to future success, and contribute meaningfully wherever they land.
Most importantly, thank you. Your trust in and patronage of the Cortland Standard has always been our most valuable asset. Subscribers and advertisers put food on our families’ tables, and kept the roofs over our heads. Generations of families have made their homes in the greater Cortland area, and contributed to the fabric of the community, because of your purchase of a subscription or an ad.
It has been my honor to serve you. This my hometown, and I love it here. I hope the news and information we’ve provided have helped you make your life better, or improve your neighborhood. I hope we’ve made our community better by telling its stories. I’m so very proud to have had a part in the Cortland Standard’s nearly 158 years of history. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Evan C. Geibel
