Centers distribute Island Vibes (See Page 21) travelers are learning about the Isle of Palms like never before as they travel throughout the state. The regional exposure continues with distribution at the Happy New Year! ‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions. This is not only an opportunity to focus on self-growth or prosperity, but it’s also a chance to inspire and elevate others in the workplace. As editor, my resolutions come in the form of our newspaper’s vows to our readership as a trusted steward of the community. The following goals are personal to me and our editorial department for the new year. Here are a few resolutions that come to mind in no particular order because they are all of equal importance. Embrace Innovation in Storytelling: I’m fully aware that the media landscape is ever-changing and it’s essential to adapt to the times. With implementation of artificial intelligence, I’ll embrace AI and utilize it as a tool to inspire ideas 4 FROM THE CREW IslandVibesIOP.com Publisher’s Note From the Editor Teamwork makes the dream work New Year, Same Vibes Island Vibes Vol. 3, Issue 1, January 2025 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE SOCIAL MEDIA SUPERVISOR ANTHONY MACCHIO SOCIALMEDIA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER JOHANNA ROGERS JOHANNA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • RYAN BUCKHANNON • PATRICK BYRNE LAURA FOGARTY • MAURICE FRAZIER SUZETTE HEAD • L. C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS • PHILLIP POUNDS JOHANNA ROGERS • SARAH ROSE ALEX STONE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • PUBLIX ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS Island Vibes is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Island Vibes is published 12 times per year by Islands Publishing LLC. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Islands Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Content, including editorial, advertising or comments, that threatens, harasses or degrades others may be revoked or refused from print and online publication at the sole discretion of Island Vibes. Inquiries to: Island Vibes P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 for fresh and engaging content. Support Diverse Voices: I’ll be more conscious to highlight voices from all walks of life, ensuring our stories are inclusive and truly representative of the community we serve. Foster Collaboration: Teamwork makes the dream work and great content is often the result of great teamwork. I’ll focus on fostering a collaborative environment with writers, designers, photographers, and other contributors. Improve Reader Engagement: Writing isn't just about informing, it’s about connecting. I’ll focus on deepening our engagement with readers through online feedback, surveys and other strategies to create interactive content. Promote a Positive Work Environment: The energy of a publication starts with its staff. I will make it my mission to foster a positive, supportive work culture, where creativity can flourish and everyone’s ideas are shared and heard. For me, these resolutions are not about becoming a better editor — they’re about becoming a better leader. Here’s to a new year full of new opportunities to use our platform to educate others. Positively yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor It’s already 2025. Crazy, right? I’m feeling a range of emotions — some are better than others, but all are encouraging. They’re about publishing something this past year that has impacted our readers in a positive way. So positive that they often expressed their thoughts about it to me and the team here at Island Vibes. These positive 2024 vibes have made the adventure of publishing Island Vibes a remarkable experience for many reasons. Of course, it starts with Isle of Palms residents galvanized by the type of content we publish and our mailing efforts to all residents who have vocalized their appreciation of our endeavors. I only wish everyone could see the enthusiasm for Island Vibes throughout South Carolina and beyond like I do. Because South Carolina Welcome Asheville Regional Airport. Each issue is shipped to this airport for distribution in our Lowcountry Kiosk, which we have maintained for well over a decade. I’ve been told Island Vibes is a very popular choice by local airport travelers (See Page 21). We also distribute regionally through complimentary grocery store racks located throughout the state including in cities such as Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg — much like the one pictured here at Isle of Palms Harris Teeter. Local shoppers can pick up their copy as they leave their local grocery store. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who has expressed positive vibes to all of us here at Island Vibes. We love publishing this publication and without question we enjoy helping to make a positive impact on the community we serve. Happy New Year! Bill Macchio Publisher
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