New business relocates to downtown Florence, The News Journal

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Don Swartz, publisher of The News Journal, Marion County News Journal and Hartsville News Journal, purchased the three weekly newspapers from Morris Multimedia in July, 2006. Shortly after, he bought an offset web press.  Searching for a place to house the press, he found an ideal building at 312 Railroad Ave. This red brick structure was constructed in the 1920s to house the press for the daily newspaper which later became The Morning News.

“It was perfectly suited to our needs,” Swartz said.  Another plus was that the property was also large enough to house his company’s offices. So, he bought the property in the fall and began renovations. In late January, the renovations were completed and The News Journal and Swartz Media headquarters relocated from Second Loop Road to this downtown site.

The name Keystone Printing was chosen for the printing operation.  “Dad was raised in a rough neighborhood in Johnson City, Tenn., in an area called Keystone and suggested that name,” he explained.  On February 28, the installed press at Keystone Printing began printing The News Journal. In April, The Hartsville News Journal began rolling off the company’s press followed by The Marion County News Journal in May.  The bonus for the community served by Swartz Media is its newspapers are now locally owned and operated.

Although most of his career has been in daily newspapers, Don Swartz recognized a growing trend in the newspaper industry during his four-years as a publisher in this area.  “Community newspapers are growing simply because they are community,” commented Swartz. “They are springing up all over the United States because of their local and positive news content. There are a lot of positive things happening in our community and that is what we focus on,” he said.

Carolina Bank assisted Swartz with financing.  “With more than 25 years in the newspaper publishing business, we had confidence in Don’s track record because it got him where he is,” said Brian Falcone. “We also saw an opportunity to be a part of downtown revitalization efforts and were excited to participate in this.” Swartz admits there were safety concerns about moving downtown. However, he saw evidence of a changing area, as well as major investments including the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library and two new theatres that are 
locating nearby. The Florence Little Theatre is currently under construction just a block and a half away in one direction and the FMU Performing Arts Center will be about two blocks away in another direction. 

“We feel really fortunate to be a part of downtown and downtown revitalization because we think this area beginning to prosper,” said Don.  “I believe downtown has a promising future and will become a more vital part for the City of Florence.”

Phillip M. Lookadoo, director of Urban Planning and Development for the city and executive director of the Florence Downtown Development Corporation, says that the impact of Swartz Media’s relocation goes beyond the monetary investment.  “Moving the business and buying a building downtown is an important and a substantial investment, he said. The job growth and activity that follows puts eyes on the street and pride in downtown. We are grateful to you and every business that decides to locate downtown.” He said there is lots of positive activity going on downtown.

Swartz Media’s News Journal and Keystone Printing join other businesses, including BankAmerica’s City Center in the former Fleet Funding Building, Turner & Padgett’s announcement to build a 60,000 square-foot structure on the old McLeod Hospital property, the rebuilt 301 Drive-in Restaurant and the rebuilding of Cumberland United Methodist Church, as well as the two theatres.  “These are all kick starts to the momentum,” he said.  Lookadoo added that the consultants working with him on downtown development say things are happening faster than they expected.

In addition to an investment in equipment and property in downtown Florence, Swartz Media also invested in people, employing 22 to 25 part time workers most of whom live in the neighborhood.
“Many of them don’t have transportation, but need a job,” said the publisher. “Most ride a bicycle or walk to work. The opportunity to work is something they take pride in and it makes us feel more secure having them nearby to keep a watch on things.” With the addition of Keystone Printing, Swartz Media now employs over 60 people, either full or part time.

Other than the relocation and an increase in employees, not many things have changed since Swartz bought the three newspapers. The majority of the employees are still with him and the business follows many of the same policies.

“Florence being such a great community is one reason my family and I decided to settle and stay here,” said Swartz. “Of course, my previous employer, Morris Multimedia, gave us the opportunity to do that.”

 

To find out more about Swartz Media or Keystone Printing:
Florence Office:  843-843-667-9656 or email:  newsjournal@sc.rr.com