Editor’s Note — It is WYDaily’s policy that we are not here to sway you, but to start a conversation, and this column will remain true to that policy and purpose.
Allow me introduce myself. My name is Chris Six, and I’m the new managing editor at WYDaily.
“New” is somewhat of a misnomer, however, as I have been working with the amazing staff at WYDaily as a consultant for over a year. Like so many of us during the pandemic years, I was doing so remotely. Now I’ve taken the plunge and it’s official — I’m your friendly neighborhood editor.
I’m a passionate advocate for community journalism. Many of you already know WYDaily as your local source for all things Historic Triangle. I’ve been bowled over by the number of people who tell me they are subscribers, and how much they love the local brand of journalism we bring to their inboxes on a daily basis. My goal is to grow on that and be an indispensable voice for our community.
That’s where you come in. This column will serve as a source of conversation between myself and the community — an opportunity to shed light on topics that might not otherwise make it into print. Have no doubt, the editorial staff of WYDaily isn’t “remote,” we are your friends and neighbors. If you think there’s something we need to know about, drop me a line at chris@localdailymedia.com.
Strictly Business
Many times, a journalist in a new community is lucky if a colleague takes them around to meet a person or two before shoving a Rolodex in front of them and pushing them into the deep end. My first month at WYDaily has been the complete opposite, and nothing beats Strictly Business if you want to meet the community!
For all of you who stopped by to say “hi” at our table at our free fall 2022 Strictly Business Networking Event, it was great to meet you! The attendance at the WYDaily.com, 92.3 The Tide Radio and 30 Off Local-hosted event at the newly-restored Alumni House on the campus of William & Mary made quite the first impression! It was a delight to meet each and every one of you who stopped by and I look forward to bumping into you around the community.
The State of Greater Williamsburg
Last week I also had the opportunity to sit in on the inaugural State of Greater Williamsburg Breakfast talk held by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce at The Maine of Williamsburg.
In addition to having another fine chance to meet and chat with local business and community leaders, the featured attractions were presentations by two William & Mary economics professors.
Peter McHenry, Associate Professor of Economics, spoke to employment and the economy in greater Williamsburg post-pandemic. Despite the ambiguous nature of the economic road ahead, his deep dive into economic data showed the area, while not immune to inflation, labor shortages and a turbulent housing market, looks poised to do quite well, with occupancy rates on the rebound.
David Long, Associate Professor of Management, meanwhile, spoke on the topic of “quiet quitting” and how to give workers the fulfillment they seek in their jobs. Noting this “trend” — his quotes, not mine — is something the field has known about for some time, only recently gaining notoriety due to having a buzz term to hang on it, Long addressed workforce happiness. Long noted research shows fulfilling work far outweighs other factors employees seek in their jobs, including pay, the opportunity for promotion, quality supervision and coworkers.
Personally speaking, fulfilling work is a huge factor in my personal happiness, and something we should all be thinking about as managers and employers.
Both talks were fascinating. As a journalism student, my required economics courses had my eyes glazing over. In contrast, the two speakers at the breakfast took what could have been dense, dry topics and made them accessible and interesting to the layman. If I had access to those two in my college days, I might have learned a thing or two.
And so…
I’ve been coming to the area, first as a student, then as a tourist, since 1987. On a visit in the spring, driving from my hotel to the Strictly Business event in New Town, I thought “this is a place I can make a home.” The warm welcome we have received since arriving in September not only helps validate our decision to move here, and it has also made this job a whole lot of fun.
See you around town.
Chris Six is the Managing Editor of WYDaily. Email him at chris@localdailymedia.com.
