Wow. What an incredible 72 hours.
When we decided to marry a print publication to NewOldNorth.com, we had only one goal — to “go big or go home.” Quality is what we felt this community deserved.
So, we set our sights on an oversized full-color magazine — a product that would feel as good in your hands as it looked as you flipped through the pages. We paid attention to every detail, all the way down to the weight of the paper.
And we trusted that, if we delivered quality content, if we made a substantial investment so we could go all the way and never look back, the community would support Eastbound & Downtown.
Still, the reception to our debut edition, “Spirit,” has been both overwhelming and humbling.
Nearly 100 local merchants have welcomed us into their businesses and are encouraging their patrons to take copies home to enjoy.
The city and county governments and the school system have embraced us, too — offering feedback that leads us to believe those 44 pages accomplished their mission of reflecting the very best of a county that is beginning to realize its full potential.
Readers have shared heartwarming responses to stories about the rebirth of Goldsboro High School’s Mighty Marching Cougar Band, award-winning baker Lori Edwards and the thriving Eastern Wayne High School JROTC program.
And with every distribution point we have added and restocked since we began passing out magazines late Wednesday evening, your smiles — and your ideas for the future of our product — have energized us, further motivating our team to work to ensure each edition is better than the last.
This magazine is a community publication. It belongs to you. These are your triumphs, your sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, neighbors and heroes in between its covers. That is why we are giving it away. The story of Wayne County belongs to all of us.
So, we vow to remain just that — just as big, just as rich in content, just as free as we are right now … for as long as you’ll have us.
For those of you who have not yet picked up a copy, we invite you to do so. You can find us inside one of the businesses listed below. And please, while you are there, thank our advertisers for helping make our debut possible.
They, too, took a leap a faith. They, too, felt the community deserved more than just words thrown onto a page — or a book so full of advertising that quality suffered. We are proud that they joined us on our maiden voyage.
Our advertisers and distribution points include:
Labrar
Brisas
Downtown Pharmacy
Bicycle World
Fat Cat Music and Sound
Casa Bella
Southern Rebel
Carolina Pine
Premiere Cuts
Mimi’s Boutique
Darwin’s Screen Printing
City Hall
Rico’s Tacos
Skin Therapy
Laughing Owl
Vail House
Brewmasters
Save More
The Arts Council of Wayne County
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation
Billy Strickland
Rye
UniFirst
LaPaz
Impress Me
Party Creations
Talk Time Wireless
Great Harvest Bread Co.
The Loft
Dream Makers
Charles B. Aycock High School
Goldsboro High School
Eastern Wayne High School
King Tiger Academy
Doughboy’s Pizzeria
Southern Sass Salon
Stay Sweet
Val’s Hairport
Panache Nails & Spa
P.T.’s Grille
Ninja Hibachi Express (Wayne Memorial Drive)
Fresenius Medical Care
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices McMillen and Associates Realty
Mayor Chuck Allen
Arnold Jones II, Broker Associate
Silver Real Estate
District 3 City Council candidate Taj Polack
N.C. Senator Jim Perry
N.C. House Majority Leader John Bell
Casey Garden Center
Dee’s Diner
Highway 55 (Mount Olive)
Fit4Life Health Club
Pro Turf Lawn & Garden Center
Rosewood Pharmacy
J.P.’s Embroidery
Studio 21 Hair Design
Goshen Medical Center
Tony’s Muffler Shop
Goldsboro Veterinary Hospital
N.C. Sounds & Security
Carolina Overhead Doors
Biosymmetry
Western Wayne Medical Center
Pizza Hut (Mount Olive)
SpeakerWorks
Norma’s Boutique
Best Used Cars (Mount Olive)
Jackson and Sons
Sasser Golf Cars
Barnes Jewelers
Eyemart Express
From the Heart
K&B Pools and Spas
Berkeley Mall
Jewelry Care
Premiere Carpet
Atlantic Eye Center
Penny Cleaners
Goldsboro Family YMCA
Lantern Inn
Kathy’s Kitchen
As more distribution points are added, we will continue to update you here and on our Facebook page. And look for us in your neighborhood — and at some community events — in the coming days. We’re just getting started and are excited about the next steps of our journey. Come along for the ride.
