NOW this … by Brenda

NOW this …

by Brenda

Welcome to ellicottvilleNOW. We have launched.

Thank you.

Thank you for picking up your first issue of ellicottvilleNOW.  Thank you for taking the time to discover the dedication and passion that have been put into these pages for your enjoyment.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you so much.

Although this is the 1st edition of our brand-new publication, it certainly isn’t my first rodeo. As many of you know — and for those being introduced for the first time — I published 3 seasonal newspapers that promote Ellicottville and Cattaraugus/McKean counties (SNOWED-IN, FORE! Golf NY/PA and The Summer Local). Launching in 2010, these publications were released monthly until, you know, the pandemic. But the past few months have been critical for me, my family and my publications. It’s given me time to reflect. This community means so much to me, and I want to serve it more consistently — thoroughly examining the people, businesses and vibe that make this place tick. And in light of the crippling effects COVID-19 has had on the local economy, I feel a certain responsibility in helping to reignite the fire.

With that, I am thrilled to introduce ellicottvilleNOW. We have officially launched. 

ellicottvilleNOW is a bi-weekly publication available in both print and on our brand-new website! I’m so grateful for the people that have helped me get to this point. My amazing co-pilot and assistant designer Meaghan Lucarelli, our team of writers, photographers, sales associates and distribution partners who all strive to create a cohesive media publication that encompasses what makes our region so special. Forging this new path will allow us to offer added media — more photographs, long-form feature pieces, in-depth coverage — for extended, mobile-friendly readership and affordable advertisement visibility for our local businesses. 

We are locally owned and locally operated. Our mission is to promote current news, events and activities in Ellicottville and the surrounding areas, and promote the unique businesses that make our area a sterling tourist destination. ellicottvilleNOW is published every other Thursday, year-round, and is available for free in print and online at ellicottvilleNOW.com. 

So here I am, at it again. And ooooh baby it feels good! I’ve come a long way since 12-year-old me was delivering the daily news to homes in my childhood neighborhood. I’ve come a long way since landing at Special-E-fects in 1999 as an assistant to its publisher, Hank Dubey. Since 2005 as a co-creator of The Villager.  Since 2010 and SNOWED-IN, FORE! Golf and The Summer Local. This is my livelihood, and it gives me profound joy to promote this vibrant village and our neighboring communities. There’s a level of satisfaction that can’t be put into words when it comes to playing my part in helping support and promote our local businesses, our leaders, members of our community and encouraging visitors to our area.  I am proud to live, work and raise my family here.  Ellicottville is my home. It’s my perfect fit.

I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I will.  B-

————————————————————

Brenda Perks is the owner, editor and designer of ellicottvilleNOW and owner of DesignPerks, a graphic design company affiliated with the local media/marketing agency, PandaGoat Media. You can reach Brenda at brenda@ellicottvillenow.com.