2014 Conference Overview

The Community Papers of Florida (CPF) has set its sights on a joint conference with the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) and the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association (SAPA) September 18-20 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.Planning is underway with an agenda that features some top industry speakers in the social media world and in print advertising. (See the conference... + Read More

The President's Message: February 2014

When the going gets tough, the CPF Tough get going!!!This has never been truer of CPF and our member publications. While 2014 promises to continue challenging our industry, members of the Community Papers of Florida (CPF) continue to innovate, make operational adjustments to cope, and even thrive in this environment facing publishers today.Across the state members are launching new products,... + Read More

In Memoriam: Brenda Knowles

Brenda Joy Birn Knowles, 66, of Apollo Beach, Fla., passed away at home on January 6, 2014 after a brief struggle with cancer.Knowles was the publisher and editor of the Observer News in Ruskin, the Riverview Current and the Sun City Center Observer News. She was a longtime member and supporter of the Community Papers of Florida.She was born in Eustis, Fla., on June 30, 1947. She graduated from... + Read More

Introducing a New Concept for the Awards for Excellence Competition

This year the award entries for CPF's annual "Awards for Excellence" contest are combined with IFPA and SAPA. That means that member publications have the opportunity to win on a national basis!In the past, each year we conducted an advertising and editorial contest where the best ads and content were selected by independent judges and the winning entries were honored with 1st, 2nd,... + Read More

Conference Update: Meet the Speakers

The lineup of speakers for the upcoming joint conference of the Community Papers of Florida (CPF), the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association (SAPA) and the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) is loaded.Included on the agenda is JAY BAER, a hype-free marketing strategist, speaker, and author and president of the social media and content marketing consultancy, Convince &... + Read More

Plan to Rock Out with the Trop Rock Junkies!

For the Friday night (September 19th) entertainment, the Trop Rock Junkies have been booked to perform near the pool side of the Caribe Royal for the annual conference.You can expect a little bit of paradise performed by a past friend of the association. Several years ago Steve Tolliver, an associate member of the associations, left his position with Newspaper Printing Company in Tampa to follow... + Read More

2014 Conference Update: Rooms

$49.00 per ROOM, per NIGHT,will buy your room nights (Thursday, Friday  & Saturday) at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando for the annual conference* and *lunch & dinner (for all persons in the room);training sessions by top industry speakers;and outstanding entertainment.Register Early!Publications that SELL classified ads will have first choice in booking rooms through July 24,... + Read More

Promotions Announced at The Flyer

Promotions announced recently at The Flyer in Tampa include Lee Smith, who has been promoted to Vice President of Operations.When making the announcement, Chairman Richard D. Mandt said, "Smith has provided significant and crucial leadership during our restaging. He has built an impressive team. He is the point person in our joint venture with VCI."Gwen Sparer has been promoted to Vice... + Read More

A Message from the PaperChain Chair

WOW! They say time flies when you are having fun - I must be having a BLAST!! The past two years as PaperChain chairman just flew by and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank some folks for their help with PaperChain.I want to thank the members of the Community Papers of Florida. Free paper publishers are the best, always willing to lend a hand when needed and support PaperChain and their... + Read More