Creemore newspaper under new ownership

 In News

At the encouragement of the Vandewater family, Creemore Echo publisher Sara Hershoff is taking ownership of the local weekly newspaper.

Hershoff began working at the newspaper in 2002 and worked her way up through the ranks. She said the purchase cements The Echo’s commitment to community.

“Our family is very excited to be able to sell the paper to Sara,” said Tom Vandewater. “It’s a vote of confidence, not just for her and her leadership but for all the employees that work at The Echo… Our family always wanted it to be a locally owned, locally run community based newspaper and information service and we think Sara is the best and rightful owner of this asset to the community.”

Jim Vandewater bought the newspaper in 2006 and after his death in 2009, his son Tom managed the asset. He didn’t have a hand in managing the newspaper on a daily basis but was active as chairman of the board and was always very supportive of the newspaper’s efforts to be an independent source of news and information for the community.

He described the sale as bittersweet.

“Dad bought it because he loved Creemore and wanted to see the paper continue to grow and thrive, which it has. But he’s been gone eight years now and the time has come for someone else to take the reigns and run with it and see where this thing can go,” said Vandewater.

He said it was very important to the family to keep the paper in the community and not sell it to some larger organizer.

The Creemore Echo is managed by its three staff members and residents won’t notice any change to the newspaper. Hershoff has had the authority to make decisions about the business since becoming publisher in 2011.

“It’s a way of solidifying our commitment to the community and to maintain The Echo as a hub for all types of information,” said Hershoff.

“The Vandewaters have been wonderful stewards of the newspaper. We have been so lucky to have them standing beside us as media changes.”

 

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Showing 6 comments
  • Anne Scott
    Reply

    Congratulations, and all of the best from both of us. Doug and Anne

  • Bonnie Carey
    Reply

    Congratulations Sarah.

  • Paul and Linda Mills
    Reply

    Congratulations, Sarah! Well done!

  • Tracey
    Reply

    Congratulations all the best!

  • Marci Lipman
    Reply

    Hooray Sarah! The community couldn’t be in better hands!

  • Gary Duff
    Reply

    Congratulations Sarah.The Creemore Echo is a Jewel and represents a wonderful community and the local countryside. Sincere Best Wishes for continued success for everyone Gary Duff Calgary.

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