Last week marked the two-year in-print anniversary at The Cordova Times since the ownership transition in 2022. As I reflect on this milestone, I am struck by a profound sense of appreciation and respect for this community that has stood by to support local media. The past two years have been defined by growth, learning, and the pursuit of preserving a 110-year-old legacy that is deeply intertwined with the identity of the Prince William Sound region.
Taking on the stewardship of The Cordova Times was a decision rooted in a commitment to ensuring that this community continues to have a trusted voice. I understood the weight of the responsibility, but what I could not fully anticipate was the degree of collaboration and ingenuity required to sustain a publication that prints 52 editions a year, through holidays, snowstorms, and every unexpected challenge in between. Yet, through it all, it is the unwavering support of this community and region that has fueled our perseverance.
To our loyal subscribers, those who purchase the paper weekly, the storefronts who partner with us to sell hard copies, and our steadfast advertisers — you are the lifeblood of this publication. Your belief in the value of local journalism and storytelling is what makes it possible for us to continue serving the region with news that informs, connects, and strengthens our shared understanding. Your commitment is a testament to the importance of independent, community-centered news in today’s world, and we do not take that for granted.
I must also extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional team that breathes life into every issue of The Cordova Times. Our editors, reporters, advertising staff, and distributors work tirelessly to ensure that we deliver quality journalism, week after week. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation upon which this paper stands. Without their collective effort, The Cordova Times could not fulfill its mission to be a reliable voice for this community.
As we move forward, we do so with a renewed focus on growth and sustainability. We are asking critical questions about how to expand our coverage, deepen our community engagement, and form strategic partnerships that will allow us to better serve the region for generations to come. The road ahead is not without its challenges, but with the continued trust and support of this community, I am confident that The Cordova Times will continue to evolve and thrive.
And finally, like every small business, we’ve encountered transitions in recent months. Thank you for being patient with our team as we work as quickly as possible to overcome them and get back into flow with operations; learning, as always, as we move forward and increase the ways in which this paper contributes to the region.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for your commitment to supporting local media. Together, we will continue to uphold the values that make The Cordova Times a cornerstone of the Prince William Sound region. Cheers to you and to the 110th year of The Cordova Times!
Rachel Kallander, raised in Cordova and a CHS graduate, is a lawyer, chief strategist at Kallander & Associates, founder and CEO of Arctic Encounter, and owner and publisher of The Cordova Times. Additionally, Rachel serves as the Honorary Consul of Iceland to Alaska. Rachel lives with her husband and energetic toddlers in Anchorage, and frequently visits Cordova, where their family maintains a commercial fishing operation.
