StartUp Kansas' inaugural client, Washington County News, was showered with accolades recently by the Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence contest for 2009. The newspaper was ranked third in its division and received numerous awards for news stories in a variety of categories. Although many businesses are struggling in today's economic climate, Washington County News is thriving. Part of the reason for their success may be the way that Washington County News grew holistically, inseparable from the community that supports it.
In October 2006 Dan Thalmann received the first-ever StartUp Kansas financial award, making it possible for him to acquire the Washington County News, which has operated continuously for nearly 140 years in North Central Kansas. Prior to purchasing the newspaper, Dan served as managing editor for four years. NetWork Kansas regional resource partner, Four Rivers Development, Inc. (FORDI), combined the StartUp Kansas loan with other funds to create a comprehensive finance package for Dan.
NetWork Kansas and FORDI not only helped Dan with the purchase of a business, they also helped to vitalize a community and support a legacy. "I feel very strongly about the role a quality newspaper plays in a rural community," said Dan Thalmann, Washington County News owner and manager. "A newspaper can have an impact on the history, culture and economy of its area - a responsibility I take seriously in light of struggles faced by rural Kansas. My children represent the 8th generation of my wife's family in Washington County so this holds special meaning for me personally as well."
Dan credits his subsequent acquisition of and merger with another newspaper in Clifton, in part, to his experience with NetWork Kansas, even though no NetWork Kansas funds were involved in the second acquisition. This purchase created expanded circulation opportunities in the southwestern part of Washington County and into Cloud County. The newspaper, which covers news in the southwest section of Washington County, has nearly doubled in circulation since Dan took over and hired another employee.
NetWork Kansas hopes Washington County News continues to grow and receive attention for their efforts. Businesses that develop their role in community life and cherish their responsibility to the people of the community are the foundation of sustainable economic growth. These are the sorts of businesses NetWork Kansas aims to encourage.