So, how was it? It has been a crazy year, to say the least, but guess what? We all got through it. We are all now a year old, and our families are a year stronger. So, congratulations, and job well done. For those who have lost some loved ones along the way this year, my heart goes out to you, but we will all get through this. 

As I write this column, the last one of the year, I think back over what all we have been through–not just this year–but the last two years, and all I can say is, “WOW, did that really happen?”

I would like to take some time to take a break from the normal stories and tone of this column to talk to you, our readers, openly and say thank you. This next year will be our 32nd year serving you, our community, and we love every minute of it. 

I have preached to our staff over the years that we only have two jobs we do here and that is:

1. Inform and educate and be a resource for our community.
2. Make our advertisers wildly successful. 

Even with all that we have been through, I feel we have done these two jobs very well this year. After all, if we did not produce high-quality content that kept our readers engaged, then our advertisers who support our mission and allow us to be that resource for our community would not keep coming back. So, another huge thank you to our advertisers, as many of you have been with us since the first issue and that means the world to us. For those who are new to our family, we welcome you, and we will fight every day to make sure you and your families and businesses are successful. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to grow with you! 

We strive everyday to keep the focus on these two jobs, and our staff could not have done a better job this year, as I look at all the hard work they put into not only our magazines and online properties here in Baton Rouge, but also the many new publications in New Orleans that are now part of our family here. They have accepted us, and we have built an incredible team. I don’t say it enough to our team, but thank you all, from myself and Amy, and our community. You don’t know how much of an impact you have made, not only in our lives, but in this community. Not only did they do a great job, but they knocked it out of the park with eight International awards (last November) in both editorial and design. So again, great job, everyone. 

So, have a great Christmas and have a happy New Year. Let’s do it again in 2022.

Life is what happens when you’re doing other things. 

P.S. We are hiring.