Opinion : Just taking a few minutes to say "Thank You"

Closing in on 12 years of online reporting gives one pause to reflect a bit. This week gave me the perfect opportunity. I received a job offer from the only other online-only news source in the state. The town is larger, the income would be greater, so it was a no-brainer for me, Vinton is home. As much as I think I could probably do both jobs, thank you to the internet, I declined. Maybe I'm crazy, and as tempting as it was, I declined.

On the heels of that offer, I had a voicemail and another phone call all reinforcing the idea that this gift that I've been given known as Vinton Today, is somehow a pretty big deal. This week has been crazy with stories like that, all reinforcing what I suspected but, knowing I'm biased I don't give it much thought. Most of the stories I can't share, well, I could but I won't. But something stuck out to me, that humbled me.

My advertisers. Thank you, to all of the hard-working men and women in this community that supports Vinton Today. The idea that there could be a local source of news, not owned by some large out-of-touch company was a novel idea 12 years ago. It had been tried but failed. As part of that failure, Vinton Today was born. It was a tough start but in all of the changes, one thing didn't change. The heart for this idea.

The only way that I can think to describe it is this. Starting a new business is much like having a child. You work really, really hard to make sure that it has everything it will ever need. You lay in bed at night thinking, "Did I do everything right? Did I do all that I could? How can I make it better." As I look at the upcoming 12th birthday, the last year of "childhood" I still ask myself these questions.

When Vinton Today was just an idea, it was an empty canvas just waiting for ideas of how to do what I'm doing. I'm still dreaming up ideas, and I have a few more up my sleeve, but it would all be a bunch of dreams if I didn't have a community of people who believe in me.

Every single advertiser that supports Vinton Today, (and most of them I believe have been here since the beginning, or pretty close to it), took a gamble on this effort. They have been the ones to make this all possible.

Every advertiser believes in this effort. Because of the support of each business, you can read Vinton Today free of charge any time, anywhere.

The goal is to keep Vinton and all of Benton county strong. These advertisers not only keep the news flowing, but they make our little towns what they are. When I shop, I do as much as I can locally.

The majority of the businesses you see on these pages are mom and pop shops created by hardworking men and women in our community. Some of the original owners might be gone, but they all are still rooted in local families. Every single business is run by our friends and neighbors.

Each business in town has the same goal that I do, to keep this community strong. Without them, I couldn't be here. Face it. Without them, we wouldn't live here.

Readers, there are thousands of you out there. This website is only possible because of the support of dependable local businesses. Thank them with your business. When you need supplies, consider the businesses on these pages. They are the backbone of our community.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who advertise each month, who support Vinton Today. Thank you for seeing the vision and for giving the community a free news source to read, participate in and enjoy.

When I say you're the best, it chokes me up a little, it's not just words. You really are the best. Your faithfulness to this effort has been amazing to see and it humbles this gal. Thank you so much, all of you, for all that you do in your businesses that result in making this possible. I'm praying that God will bless each of you during this next year.