After a long career at the Vancouver Courier, there is still Hope.
Sitting at her desk last Thursday on her last day as publisher of the Courier, Emily Jubb had mixed emotions. She talked about how hard it was to say goodbye to the Courier employees she considers family. But she was also looking forward to spending time again with her real family.
Jubb and her husband of 33 years, David, purchased a house in Hope, east of Chilliwack, almost three years ago and since then she had divided time between Hope and Vancouver. "I miss my husband and my family," said Jubb, who plans to travel before getting involved in her new community.
Looking back at her 13 years with the Courier, Jubb said the paper's frequent ownership changes during a turbulent time in the industry presented many challenges. "But I feel better knowing the Courier is part of Glacier [Media]," Jubb said.
Glacier Media bought the Courier in November 2011 as part of an overall purchase of two daily and 20 community B.C. newspapers from ailing Postmedia Network.
Jubb said despite those challenges, Courier staff rallied and she's proud of the editorial team's eight journalism awards this year at the annual B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Awards. Jubb said she is also proud of the sales team and administrative staff, most of whom have been at the Courier for years.
"We have no turnover here, so it must be a good place to work," said Jubb. "Well, except when we had to downsize, which was really tough."
Jubb said it was a milestone when the Courier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008 and the City of Vancouver declared "Vancouver Courier Day" at a ceremony at city hall. Jubb was the catalyst behind a free community block party to mark the occasion. At the same time, Jubb worked with the City of Vancouver's anti-graffiti task force in recruiting young artists to paint the side of the Courier building.
"Since then this building has never been tagged," said Jubb. "And I truly believe it has become a Vancouver landmark."
Jubb said some of the most rewarding work she did as publisher was supporting local non-profit groups and charities. She particularly enjoyed her work as a board member of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her departure last week, Jubb was presented with an award of appreciation from the chamber.
Jubb's replacement is Dee Dhaliwal, who is leaving the North Shore News after holding a number of positions in the past 17 years, most recently as director of sales and marketing. Jubb is confident she's leaving the Courier in good hands. "So the only advice I have for Dee is just love everyone like I have and you'll become part of the family," said Jubb.
Dhaliwal said she will also miss Jubb. "Emily has touched a lot of people," she said. "But it's not just her words. Emily also led by example. But more important, Emily is my friend."
Dhaliwal said on the top of her to-do list is getting to know Vancouver's unique neighbourhoods and communities.
"I'm excited and anxious to live up to this amazing brand," said Dhaliwal. "It was a privilege to be asked to lead the Courier.
sthomas@vancourier.com
Twitter: @sthomas10
