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It was five years ago today ...

By Howard B. Owens

It was five years ago today that Billie and I took over ownership of The Batavian.

The Batavian began May 1, 2008 as a project I headed for Fairport-based GateHouse Media, but at the end of February, 2009, GateHouse changed directions with their internet strategy and The Batavian became available to us if we wanted it.

As transplants from California, Billie and I found we really loved Western New York and didn't want to leave, and I also firmly believed in The Batavian and the need to prove that there was an audience in a typical American community for local online news and advertising.

The Batavian is now one of the leading online-only news sites in the country -- the subject of books, national media columns and news coverage and closely watched by those in the news industry who fret over the future of local journalism.

But most importantly is how Billie and I have been welcomed and embraced by the Genesee County community.  We're so grateful for the support of local residents and local businesses.  We've made so many good friends and received so much appreciation for what we do with The Batavian that we sometimes feel amazed by the support.

Thank you to all of you for five great years. We look forward to covering the news of Genesee County and doing all we can to promote local businesses for years to come.

Jeff Allen

Congratulations to you Howard and Billie. I'm sure TheBatavian was a great leap of faith in a frail economy and untested waters but the results speak for themselves. I appreciate the format and the fact that you stick with it. The news is timely and relevant, you support local people and businesses, and you give voice to the public on a range of issues both local and national. I am on other blog sites and social media and I like the fact that you require real names for people to post. Internet trolling by nameless folks hiding behind monikers clouds honest debate. Wishing you many more years of success.

Mar 2, 2014, 9:41am Permalink
tom hunt

The Batavian first appeared on my radar screen 5 years ago, when Howard appeared at the Ramble at Jackson Square handing out insulating bottle sleeves with the Batavian URL printed on it. I first logged on out of curiosity and was soon hooked.
Congratulations of a successful 5 year run...may there be many more.

Mar 2, 2014, 3:17pm Permalink

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