Much to look forward to in the new year

Happy New Year to all our readers. Perhaps more than any other day of the year, New Year's Day invites a look back to assess the achievements and lessons of the year just finished, as well as a look forward to what we hope will be. It is with great cheer and optimism that we here at the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman greet 2006.

News gathering is not something we take lightly. This newspaper has called the Valley home since 1947. Through good times and bad, flush times and lean, we've been here. And nearly 60 years later, it remains a joy to live and work among the people whose stories fill our pages three times a week.

The year behind us was filled several challenges that resulted in positive movement forward in our continued efforts to be your No. 1 source of local news. In March, we cut the ribbon on our new production facility, a nearly $5 million investment in the community that enabled us to add jobs to the local economy and improve the quality and usefulness of our newspaper.

With our own printing press, we not only keep our own production costs in the local economy, but our commercial printing capacity also gives other Valley businesses the opportunity to keep their printing needs local, too. The new press also enhances our news package by giving us the flexibility of later deadlines on breaking news, which results in fresher, more timely news on doorsteps all over the region on a consistent basis.

The new year brings new opportunities for us that will also benefit readers. Later this week, we will roll out the first edition of our weekly arts and entertainment guide, Bullseye, which will broaden our coverage of local people and organizations that enliven the burgeoning local arts scene.

It's the first of what we hope to be many improvements to our newspaper in the coming months. Aided by the input of a revitalized reader advisory board, we have reason to believe that 2006 will be the best year yet for the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, as we grow with the Valley.

We appreciate the continued support of readers and look forward to hearing from you in the new year through phone calls and letters to the editor. Likewise, we appreciate the support of our advertisers, who understand the value of supporting the local economy and recognize what it truly means to be &#8220local.”