Elliott retains ownership of Adams County newspapers
LIBERTY, Ill. — Elliott Publishing, Inc. has announced the sale of their custom printing business to Quincy-based Area Distributors. The sale became effective on November 20 and includes the transfer of customer print files and records to the office of Area Distributors.
Elliott Publishing, Inc. will continue to publish their four weekly newspapers, which include Camp Point Journal, Golden-Clayton New Era, The Liberty Bee-Times, and Mendon Dispatch-Times.
“This decision was only made after a lot of prayer and deep consideration,” said Marcia Elliott, President of Elliott Publishing, Inc. “As many of you know, Jim (Elliott) had a bad stroke over six years ago and was no longer able to continue in the business. Jim and I were a pretty good team with him managing the custom printing side of the business and me managing the weekly newspaper side of the business. However, with Jim’s debilitating stroke, I have been doing his job and mine, which has meant many long hours. Even with the wonderful staff of Lisa Newell and Sherri Bradley to help, it has been a challenge.”
“This has been a good business for us and we have made a lot of friends, so it is bittersweet to have to let this part of the business go,” said Marcia. “We are very grateful for the support that all of our customers have shown us through the years.”
“Taking care of Jim and Marcia’s customers will be a great fit for us,” said Area Distributors CEO Ken Sparrow. “We have many years of experience in handling a variety of print, and I’m confident that we will take good care of them. I have a feeling too that some of the customers will also learn of other products that we can supply to them, so it’s a win-win.”
After Jim and Marcia purchased The Liberty Bee-Times in December 1983, they began to see a need in the community for commercial printing, so added the equipment and started Bee-Times Press in 1985. In 1998, they purchased the assets of Taylor Publishing from Camp Point, and formed Elliott Publishing, Inc., which encompassed both the newspapers and the printing side of the business.
Area Distributors has contracted Marcia to work as a consultant with them for the next six months. She and her staff, Lisa Newell and Sherri Bradley, are working together with Area staff to make sure that this transition goes smoothly. Tonya Wiseman of Payson is the lead person in Area’s print division and is ready meet the printing needs of the community. Moving forward, for future printing services, Elliott print customers are encouraged to contact Area Distributors directly at 217-223-3600 or [email protected].
Area did not purchase any of the printing equipment, so that will be sold separately.
“Lisa, Sherri and I look forward to continuing to work with our newspaper customers,” Marcia said. “Without the often labor-intense printing side of the business, we will be able to focus more on reporting the news, writing stories, and meeting your advertising and legal notice needs. If you have any questions or a story idea for us to consider, don’t hesitate to call or email us.”
“We will miss our print customers and are so glad that Area is ready to step up to the plate and serve you,” concluded Marcia.
Elliott Publishing is based in Liberty. Earlier this year, the business closed their Camp Point office.