The Courier Journal is located at 1828 Darby Drive (in the Florence Plaza Shopping Center), Florence, Alabama. The phone number is (256) 764-4268 and FAX is (256) 760-9618. The Courier Journal's print edition features a direct-mail, total saturation circulation of over 69,000 into Northwest Alabama. It is the largest non-daily newspaper circulation in the state serving Colbert, Lauderdale and portions of Limestone and Lawrence counties. Our staff takes pride in publishing a weekly paper that is neat in appearance, cost effective for the advertiser, and an asset to residents and businesses of the Shoals.

The Courier Journal was founded in 1884 as the Florence Herald. It was the premier publication in Northwest Alabama for many years serving the entire area as a subscriber-only newspaper. A change of ownership in 1982 brought about some favorable revisions including a new name, purpose, and a switch to the incomparable effectiveness of direct mail distribution. Today, the Courier Journal receives recognition and respect on the local, state and national levels.

The Courier Journal is home owned and operated, helping the local economy prosper and allowing us to offer the lowest print advertising rates in Alabama (2007 Alabama Press Association figures).

Editor & Publisher

Tom has been with the Courier Journal since 1984. He started as a part-time employee in the composition department, became the editor in 1989 and assumed the publisher's position in 1999. Tom earned his B.A. in Commercial Art / Business Administration from the University of North Alabama.
Tom is an active member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman in 2003-04. He also recently served on the boards of Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Alabama and the Christian Student Center at the University of North Alabama. Tom also does volunteer work with United Way of the Shoals and with Boy Scouts of America (Westmoreland District) and was a founding member of the local preservation group "The Old Railroad Bridge Company, Inc." serving as its president for several years. Tom may be reached by phone at (256) 764-4268, Ext. 114 or by e-mail at editor@courierjournal.net.

Our six member sales staff has a combined 80+ years of experience serving clients at the Courier Journal. They know the paper, know how it works for current advertisers and know how to make it work for your business.

Judy has been with the Courier Journal since 1995, serving the needs of advertisers in Colbert County. Her current territory includes everything west of Woodward Avenue. A native of Iuka, MS, Judy can be reached by calling (256) 764-4680, Ext. 109 by e-mail at judy@courierjournal.net.

Cynthia has been with the Courier Journal since October of 1988. She has developed an extensive client list in the downtown Florence area, the Regency Square Mall / Parkway area and businesses on the north side of Florence Boulevard. Cynthia is active in historic preservation work and local genealogy. She may be reached at (256) 764-4680, Ext. 110 by e-mail at cynthia@courierjournal.net

Oscar has been selling advertising with Courier Journal off and on since 1983. A Florence native, Oscar is a former Florence city commissioner and state Senator. Oscar has served the community well in several capacities through the years, and is a vocal supporter of University of North Alabama athletics. He is easily recognized and well respected for his knowledge and forthrightness. He services selected accounts for the Courier Journal and is not assigned to a specific geographic territory. He may be reached at (256) 764-4680, Ext. 116 by e-mail at oscar@courierjournal.net

Sadonna started working at the Courier Journal in 1986 utilizing her prior graphics training in our composition department. She joined the sales staff in 1989 and has successfully used that knowledge to the advantage of her clients. Sadonna's territory includes northern and western portions of Lauderdale County, North Florence and portions of Cox Creek Parkway. She has served as treasurer and secretary for the North Florence Business Association and as a board member of "The Old Railroad Bridge Company, Inc." She may be reached at (256) 764-4268, Ext. 108 by e-mail at sadonna@courierjournal.net

Steve joined the Courier sales staff in October 2007. He has over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service. He is currently serving the advertisers in Colbert and Franklin Counties and can be reached at (256) 764-4268, Ext. 112 by e-mail at steve@courierjournal.net

Justin joined the Courier sales team in February 2006. Justin is a professional photographer and has been working in sales and customer service for six years. He may be reached at (256) 764-4268, Ext. 111 by e-mail at justin@courierjournal.net

Art Department

(256) 764-4268, Ext. 115 • E-mail: artdepartment@courierjournal.net

Russell has been a part of our graphics department since 1999. Russell's responsibilities also include layout and building of the paper, overseeing online transmissions from clients and maintaining our website. He can be contacted via e-mail at russell@courierjournal.net.

Jim joined our graphics department in April, 2004. Jim's long career as a graphic designer and artist includes eight years as an Art Director with A. Tomlinson/Sims Advertising and five years with the local daily publication. Jim can be reached at (256) 764-4268, Ext. 119 or jim@courierjournal.net

Andrea has been a member of our graphics department for over 9 years and in the field of design since 1992. She has a B.F.A. from UNA with a concentration in Graphic Design and a Minor in Interior Design. She is also the coordinator for Kidsville News!, our free monthly publication for kids, parents and teachers. She is a member of the Shoals Artists Guild and is an active volunteer with Girl Scouts of America of N. Central Alabama. Andrea may be contacted via e-mail at andrea@courierjournal.net.

Amanda joined the Courier Journal in January 2006. She is responsible for entering all classified advertising and editorial content. She is also our liaison with the post office and is responsible for calculating our postage expenses each week.

Gwyn joined our team in January 2008. She has an AAS in Computer Graphics from Calhoun Community College. Previous experience includes photography and graphic design for a local printing company. Gwyn may be reached via E-mail at gwyn@courierjournal.net.

Office Staff

(256) 764-4268

Janie, a native of Florence and has worked in Birmingham, Atlanta, & Greenville, SC for global firms. She joined the Courier Journal in October 2004 and manages our front office area. Janie's primary responsibilities include receivables/payables and billing work. She is also the liaison with our printing facility in Nashville, assists customers and works closely with our display advertising and classified ad staffs.

Cheryl will likely greet you when you call or enter the Courier Journal. Cheryl oversees the classified department and works with our display ad staff. If you need to place a classified ad, Cheryl will be happy to assist you. She can also direct you to an advertising executive for your display ad or free standing insert questions.

Anne Stephens joined the Courier Journal team in August, 2003. Decades of customer service experience with the local daily publication serves her well in her part-time position assisting with classified advertising and customer service.

You might see Joe driving around in our patriotic themed delivery van making sure papers are at all area post offices in a timely manner.