Just over 12 years ago, I was hired by then-Herald Publisher Larry Hanson as the founding editor for The Herald’s new business journal. His dream was to create a publication to serve Snohomish County’s 16,000 businesses.
Since 1998, we’ve published 155 editions of the business journal, along with 12 issues of our annual Market Facts statistical profile of the business community. That’s more than 6,500 pages of business news, economic trends, new construction, special events and profiles of people in the business community.
Without the journal, most of that news would not have been published, since The Herald uses its limited space for a variety of news across all facets of county life. Only the business journal specializes in covering the business community’s activities.
Both readers and advertisers have responded with great enthusiasm. Even in the current recession, the Snohomish County Business Journal has remained profitable, thanks to the dedication of advertising manager Gary Hauff and strong support from publisher Steve Hawes.
I learned to love writing business news when I was The Herald’s business editor for 12 years, from 1968-1980, so naturally I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many interesting people and covering so many events as editor of the business journal – particularly aviation stories about the great people and tourism attractions at Paine Field.
Now, after many years as a writer and photographer, it’s time to pursue new ventures. Much of my time will be spent with my beloved wife, Roberta, our son, Jim, and his wife, Kari, and grandsons Brandin and Blake, along with our daughter, Teresa, and her husband, Pat, and our grandson, Declan, and granddaughter Cailin. They have always been so supportive.
Although I’m retiring as editor from the Snohomish County Business Journal I’m not retiring from writing. With my wife, Roberta, who also is a journalist, I’ll be freelancing for clients and publications through our business, Features Northwest.
Soon, there will be a new editor at the business journal, new content, perhaps new direction and other changes. I hope you will continue to show support for the journal in the years ahead. After all, it’s really your business journal.
John Wolcott
SCBJ Editor
1998-2010
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