By Jim Gatens

When I started with the Redmond Reporter in February 2010, I had no idea what a great city Redmond was. From the very first day I started, the business community in Redmond has opened their hearts to me and it has been just like a family. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment I have spent working in this great city.

Our readers are loyal and it has been so much fun being in the community for special events where I have been able to meet you and hear how much you enjoy our paper. I have found by talking to people that most of you don’t understand that we produce this paper with a writing staff of two — an editor and one writer. I’m so proud of the work these two do in producing award-winning articles, year after year. They both are very dedicated to covering the stories that matter to the residents of Redmond.

My sales staff is excellent in bringing in advertisers and taking care of them along the way and I’m proud of their hard work and dedication. I know as I step out of this role, the level of service I have extended and instilled will continue forward.

I have truly enjoyed the many partnerships we have built over the years. Our Women in Business event has grown year after year; Movies at Marymoor is a wonderful venue for us to meet our readers and enjoy a movie; our partnership with the Redmond Town Center and the City of Redmond are the types of interactions with our community we here at the Redmond Reporter are always looking for and we value them beyond words.

In my next chapter with Sound Publishing, I’m excited as I will be taking on the role of regional sales manager for the Bellevue, Issaquah/Sammamish and Mercer Island reporters. In this new role, I plan to build on the things that were my successes here in Redmond. I believe in building and strengthening relationships with clients and staff, in integrating the local paper into the community through active interaction. I think each community offers its own uniqueness and we as a paper must become familiar with those things that are unique and appreciate the individuality of each community.

I will miss all of the relationships I have built here in Redmond and I wish you the readers and our clients much success and happiness. The Redmond Reporter is and has always been dedicated to the people of Redmond.

I will miss each and every one of you.