After 18 months of local ownership, a pause to offer thanks

To our readers:

Just over 18 months ago, Sonoma Media Investments returned The Press Democrat and its sister publications to local ownership.

As new owners, we have invested in the local journalism of all our publications, which include the Petaluma Argus-Courier, Sonoma Index-Tribune, North Bay Business Journal and Sonoma Magazine.

We have hired journalists, improved our websites and restored a separate Press Democrat business section midweek. We have added a new Sunday real estate section along with several new local features and columns. We also re-launched Sonoma Magazine and expanded its focus beyond the valley to more broadly capture what makes living here so special. In fact, the latest issue is on newsstands now with 200 pages of ways to experience Sonoma this summer.

In addition to investments in our products, we have invested in people and equipment. We brought back all of the previously outsourced functions, including a new customer service call center in Rohnert Park. Just last month we completed a six-month installation of the most current newsroom computer system in the country and are upgrading equipment in our printing facility.

But all of this would not be possible without our dedicated staff of more than 300 employees and the support we have received from you, our loyal readers and advertisers. Thanks to your continued backing, we are proud to say that the Sonoma County household readership of our products is one of the highest in California. Our news websites have been recognized as the best in the state and digital readership continues to grow.

So as we enjoy another great summer in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties, we wanted to take a minute to thank you. We couldn’t be successful without you.

Sincerely,

Sonoma Media Investments Local Ownership Group