What was your first job in the newspaper business?

My current job as the operations packaging manager at the Gwinnett County publishing facility is my first job in the newspaper industry.

What do you like most about your job?

I like the fact that each day I have the opportunity to work with a diverse production team and positively impact the success of our operation. Also, I enjoy the challenges that we encounter, whether they be related to processes, equipment or people as we strive to continuously improve.

What do you like least?

The least favorite part of my job is working through union grievances. Since I began in my role 15 months ago, I have worked to build fair and trusting relationships amongst every member of the production team so that union grievances in the packaging department become things of the past.

What was The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s most recent purchase/installation? 

On April 22, 2007, The AJC announced the purchase of six  TKS ColorTop 7000 H-style towers for its press enhancement project (see story, page 1). The new towers will be accompanied by press control upgrades by ABB and will be fully implemented by November 2008. The purchase is a critical step in The AJC’s previously announced plan to upgrade printing equipment and technology at its Gwinnett County publishing facility.

What is the biggest challenge The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is facing in production?

Meeting the evolving needs of our advertisers and readers are both huge challenges facing The AJC. Flexibility and enhanced capabilities to provide targeted marketing for our advertisers is critical to us sustaining and growing our advertising revenue.  The production and advertising groups are working closely together to meet these evolving advertiser needs through system enhancements and process modifications.

As the demographics in the Atlanta metropolitan area have changed, The AJC has responded with modified press and delivery schedules to provide the papers earlier to our home and single-copy readers. The TKS press upgrades planned for 2008 will also help address the growing need for a more attractive and colorful newspaper for our readers and advertisers.

What trend are you keeping your eye on?