Starting a new business is always risky.  When we launched Bridges 15 years ago The Gallaher Group had been in the printing business for nearly three decades. In 2004, we recognized the need for a local magazine and as did the community itself.  At the time there was not a single glossy publication that focused exclusively on the Tri-State as one community.
     That we were able to launch and have continued to produce Bridges for 15 years – and that we remain the region's only magazine created entirely in-house and mailed to readers for free -  is a tremendous success in our book.
    We have succeeded because of the support from this community – our dedicated readers and advertisers. We continue to exist because local businesses and organizations entrust us with their advertising dollars. They recognize the value of reaching their customers in the comfort of their own homes, through a publication that highlights the best our community has to offer.
    As we look ahead, we see a continued need for what we do. We have been fortunate to add even more expertise to our staff. Our award-winning Managing Editor Carrie Stambaugh  has continued to push our publication into unknown territory, most notably with the conception and implementation of the Aluminum Issue (Spring/Summer.18) last year.
    Now, under her leadership we are developing a second special publication, which will also focus on the efforts to reinvent and reinvigorate our local economy. We look forward to bringing these exciting stories of entrepreneurship and innovation to our readers, and we are excited to receive the support of the community of advertisers who support this vital mission.
    As we learned when we launched Bridges, the capacity to continue to take risk and renew our product may be the best measurement of accomplishment in the long term, rather than simply staying in business