Tavern Times still on mission after 15 years
By Paul Tash
Editor and Publisher
The Montana Tavern Times turns 15 this month. According to all things Google, themes for 15th anniversaries are crystal, watches, roses and rubies.
So feel free to send me a ruby-encrusted crystal watch stuffed in a bouquet of roses. OK. I won't be waiting by the mail box.
Seriously, so many have given so much to the Tavern Times that I can't say thank you enough. I’m thankful for the advertisers issuing the “congratulations” in this month's issue, for sure, but especially for the regular monthly advertisers whose support allows the Times to even exist.
And the support goes beyond advertising. Many in the industry and the government sector continue to give freely of their time when asked to comment on the issues of the day. Their availability as expert sources for articles is very much appreciated.
The November issue also represents the fourth issue for Tash Communications. Mentioning that fact to long-time readers has been eliciting the same response … they haven't noticed much difference. I take that as a compliment, as previous publisher Cole Boehler had created and developed an absolutely first-class trade journal in his 14-plus years at the helm.
We're not resting on our (his) laurels, however. We are exploring ways to improve an already sound product.
You'll see more special sections on such topics as legal services, insurance services and distilleries. If you have other ideas for special-section topics, please send them to me at pault@tashcommunications.com.
You'll continue to see some design changes, such as front page teasers and graphics, to improve the look and readability of the Tavern Times.
Emphasis will be placed on growing a letters-to-the-editor section of the Times. This is an area that depends on the feedback of our many readers, however. Write the Times a letter to comment on the current hot industry topic, to give your opinion on what matters to you, or even to thank someone for doing a good job. Letters must include the writer’s name and address. The word limit is 300.
Of course, the Tavern Times will continue its mission of providing news and information you simply won't find anywhere else.
We will continue to write about the good works you do, and about the good people who run the businesses.
We will continue to supply the opinions and positions of the foremost authorities in the industry.
We will continue to cover extensively the Montana Tavern Association, the Gaming Industry Association and the Gaming Advisory Council.
We will continue to provide information from state agencies that affect the health and future of licensed businesses.
And you can count on the Tavern Times to be the best source for industry-related news in the upcoming Legislature that begins in January.
Talking to industry sources around the state, I certainly understand that many of our businesses continue to work in a difficult economy. And yes, that economic reality has impacted advertising revenues at the Times, too.
But I'm confident that with the continued support of “experienced” Tavern Times advertisers and the enthusiastic response of many new advertisers you'll see in the next few months, that the Tavern Times will continue to carry out its tavern-serving mission.
And thank you to all of our readers for a great 15 years overall, and a super four months personally.