The oldest business in Estevan is also proud to say it’s a small business.
Estevan Mercury Publications operates a number of different businesses, including Southeast Lifestyles, News Break and Pipeline News, but its flagship paper, the Mercury, has been around since 1903.
The company currently employs 10 people, and is always looking for ways to support small businesses.
Publisher Richard Sadick said community newspapers are a wealth of information that serve the needs of communities.
“We provide information about local businesses and their events, as well as local news, sports and the goings on in our communities,” he said.
The businesses that are keeping the community going are primarily small businesses, he said. SaskPower’s two electrical generating stations in the area and the Westmoreland Coal Company are vital to Estevan and employ a lot of people, he said, but small businesses keep the community together.
“We’re trying to keep people here, and not drive them out of town to buy stuff in Minot or Regina,” he said. “The small businesses are the ones that we have to keep thriving and are the ones that are really the barometer for the success of your market and community.”
He’s pleased with the diversity of local businesses as well.
Sales manager Deanna Tarnes said the Mercury can play a key role in the success of a small business. It can get the message out to other people about what is happening at a business in Estevan and the surrounding areas.
“We have the tools that they can use to get their word out, because we are the No. 1 source for local news,” said Tarnes. We’re the place people look when they want to know what’s going on, whether it’s print or digital.”
She marvels at how small businesses support so many different causes in Estevan.
The Mercury has established itself as a strong supporter of local small businesses through the variety of campaigns that encourage people to shop locally. These include the Mercury Guy campaign in the summer, the upcoming Southeast Saskatchewan Real Estate Guide, and the inaugural Estevan Christmas Catalogue that will be published in time for Black Friday.
“The Mercury is here to help small businesses get their message out. If you need print ads, any kind of printing. We have posters and brochures. Any type of online advertising you need, we can help you with, too.”
The Mercury is also very good at building packages to suit entrepreneurs’ needs and budgets.
“We are here to help the smallest of businesses get their message out.”
Sadick said he enjoys how connected the Mercury is to Estevan and the surrounding rural communities, and how the Mercury has managed to remain “old school” during the rapid changes the newspaper industry has experienced with how information is shared.
“The internet has impacted our business model quite a bit, and as we move forward, there will be many new challenges thrust our way,” he said. “That said, we are and have been a small business serving this community for over 115 years, regardless if we print on newsprint or use the World Wide Web. What an amazing accomplishment we have enjoyed and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The Mercury is optimistic about its future, and the paper will continue to serve the community, the businesses that serve them and the citizens that make it all possible.
Sadick noted he is now 71 years of age and has been publishing newspapers for 50 years, but he still giggles when he comes in to work at how wonderful and exciting the industry truly is.
