Staying informed about what is happening in your community, state, country, and world is an important responsibility for every citizen. Small-town newspapers play a vital role in helping constituents understand local happenings.

We had the pleasure of visiting Edgerton Enterprise with owner Jill Fennema. There are three businesses within Edgerton Enterprise: the newspaper, Main Street Printing, and the On the Farm publication. Jill spoke to the group about deadlines, advertising, embracing social media and the digital market, and the different career opportunities within the publishing world.

Ron Brands began working with Main Street Printing shortly after returning home from serving in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Thailand, where he helped build roads to an Air Force base in support of bombers flying missions from the region. After his service, Ron used his GI Bill to attend printing school and has never looked back. After more than 50 years in the business, Ron is now considering retirement. He truly embodies the phrase, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Thank you to Jill and Ron for sharing your knowledge and experience with the young professionals of the SWMN CEO program!