Stonebridge Press Adds NE Connecticut Weekly Newspapers

PUTNAM, CT. — Sept. 12, 2005 — Stonebridge Press Newspapers has added to its group of community newspapers with the creation of a new division of the publishing company, focusing on Northeast Connecticut. Beginning September 23, the Putnam Villager, Woodstock Villager and Thompson Villager, will be mailed weekly to every home in the Northeast Corner of Connecticut. These new weekly community papers will serve residents in the towns and villages of Putnam, Woodstock, Thompson, Eastford and Pomfret, Connecticut. Each of the Villager Newspapers will be direct-mailed via the US Post Office every week to over 15,000 local homes, and an additional 1,400 businesses. Stonebridge Press, headquartered in Southbridge, MA, publishes six weekly community newspapers and one daily, serving south central Massachusetts.
A new office has been opened for Villager Newspapers in the historic Belding Mills Complex at 107 Providence Street in Putnam, Connecticut and a team of news, sales and support staff has started to work on the first issue of each of the newspapers.
“The Quiet Corner of Connecticut has a real need for local community newspapers that are focused on local news,” said Frank G Chilinski, president and publisher of Stonebridge Press, and its new division, Villager Newspapers. “Every week, each Villager newspaper will be a true reflection of its local towns and villages. We invite readers to write in and become a part of the first draft of local history. We believe in being relentlessly local.” There are no plans to charge for subscriptions, and each newspaper will be 100% advertiser supported. Chilinski added, “Our readers are loyal to our trusted advertisers, as they are a key part of the community newspaper each week.”


Total Market Coverage Newspapers
The Villager Newspapers are unique in that they will be mailed free to every home in the markets they serve. As total market coverage newspapers, they will provide advertisers the opportunity to reach every home in the local market, while delivering a quality news product to the communities. Advertisers are encouraged to submit both display and classified ads, including help-wanted ads. The Connecticut office can be reached toll-free at 877-888-2711.

Third State for Owners of Newspapers
In addition to the Massachusetts and Connecticut groups of papers, the company also owns Salmon Press Newspapers, which publishes 15 weekly newspapers in New Hampshire.
#########
For more information, press only:
Marilyn Smith 860-928-1818, ext. 115 email: marilyn@villagernewspapers.com