East Texas

By MAEGAN MCGOWEN
Feature Writer

Tyler’s Rose Garden Center buzzed with activity Monday night at the Tyler Morning Telegraph’s Clubs and Organizations reception.

The reception helps Tyler and Smith County clubs and organizations learn how to publicize their events through the newspaper and its Web site, www.TylerPaper.com.

“We’ve done this for 27 years, and the real importance of the reception is getting folks with organizations to get familiar with our folks,” said Publisher Nelson Clyde IV. “There are a lot of different departments for them to work with and resources they can use.”

More than 100 representatives attended the session to be photographed and turn in information for the Clubs and Organizations Directory 2008.

“These people represent a lot of the organizations that are really touching people on a personal level and making a difference,” Clyde said. “Tyler is absolutely the most giving community to live in and be a part of, and it’s a great place to live, and this reception is a reminder of that.”

For George Roberts Jr., the CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District, the Tyler Morning Telegraph’s coverage is important to their success.

“The Tyler paper is a great communication tool, and we value our relationship with them,” he said. “Their coverage of our activities and events are key points to our success.”

Representatives from a myriad of organizations attended the reception, from nonprofit service providers, support groups, special interest groups to hobby and recreation clubs.

“It’s always a privilege to recognize and have a session with the people that do heavy lifting in our community,” said Executive Editor Jim Giametta. “All the clubs and organizations represented are the lifeline to a lot of our community, and a lot of people need these services. These are the people that give time and money to make this place, Tyler, home.”

Representatives from the newspaper explained the best way to gain publicity for the groups through press releases, high-resolution digital photos, submitting information electronically and using the newspaper’s Web site.

“It doesn’t matter if your group has eight members or 800,” said Community Editor Joyce Turner. “It doesn’t mean you can’t have good publicity.”

Ms. Turner also explained that the “who, what, when, where and why,” of a story are important, as well as strong photographs.

Club and organization members who could not attend the reception can still be included in the directory.

The Clubs and Organizations Directory will be published Sept. 25, and forms must be returned by 5 p.m. Aug. 29.

A directory information form may be obtained several ways: coming by the newspaper office, 410 W. Erwin St.; calling 903-596-6268; faxing requests to 903-595-0335; or e-mailing requests to features@tylerpaper.com or jturner@tylerpaper.net.

Photography makeup sessions are noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 and 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at the newspaper office for presidents who were unable to attend the reception.

Jennifer Cobbins poses a question to Tyler Morning Telegraph management at a clubs and organizations reception Monday.
(Staff Photo by Mark Roberts)