Looking back on the past 25 years, it’s easy to gloss over 2020 due to COVID-19.
In reality though, coronavirus might be the major story of the quarter of a century that has passed since the Peak published volume one, issue one, in November of 1995.
COVID-19 has affected everything, from cancellations of community and sporting events, to the way we shop, and how we interact with friends, co-workers and family.
After 24 years of collaborating, sharing and working in close proximity at the three locations the business has operated from, for the most part, since March, Peak staff members have connected over the phone, via text or chat platforms, or video. The office is still open with limited staff, with a glass divider separating them from visitors, as is the case with many businesses. Welcome to the new normal: service with a smile, but from a distance.
Although the processes are different, and we miss the day-to-day interactions with each other, the Peak’s goal is still the same: connect readers with businesses and their community. Some of us just have to accomplish that from home.
At the beginning, the Peak was published once per week. Eventually two print publications became the norm, with what is now called Peak Midweek (previously the Peak Pack and Weekend Shopper) being added to enhance opportunities for advertisers to reach their target audience twice weekly.
A website was added and, along with the internet, exploded in popularity and usership over the years, attracting a new readership and providing another avenue for our advertisers to connect with the public.
The Peak has continued to grow with Powell River. The location has changed, staff have come and gone (except for a couple originals) and the look of the paper has adapted and changed with the times.
Change is a necessary part of any successful endeavour, especially in 2020. Businesses had to conform to new rules while still offering customers and clients their products and services in a safer way. This is in addition to the usual ups, downs and challenges a business goes through.
COVID-19 has dominated the news for most of the year, and 25 years from now, when the Peak celebrates its 50th birthday, the pandemic that started in 2020, and will likely continue into 2021, might be the biggest story of that half century. Let’s hope something does surpass it, in a good way.
We plan to still be around. How about you?
Reach for the Peak and continue growing with us.
Due to adverse weather causing the cancellation of ferry sailings between Comox and Powell River on November 27, the 25th anniversary print edition of the Peak will be delivered to subscribers on November 28. The issue will also be available at several local stores.
