Six Months, 1,200+ Readers, and One Big THANK YOU!

July 1, 2026

July marks the halfway point of the calendar year, but for us, it marks another incredible milestone: our seventh consecutive month of delivering the good news about the people, places, businesses, organizations, and events that make Georgetown County so special. What started as a new venture is now reaching more than 1,200 neighbors each week!

This is a milestone I couldn’t let pass without taking a moment to express my deepest appreciation. You are reading this “Special Edition” because, in your own way, you have made a vital contribution to our initial success.

To our early advertisers who believed in our vision, and to the frequent ambassadors who encourage friends and colleagues to subscribe: thank you. To everyone who has sent in news items, job openings, or community events—the true bread and butter of what we do: thank you. And to the friends and family who loyally read every issue and send a quick text, call, or email of encouragement: thank you. Your loving support keeps this momentum going.

Twelve months ago, I made the decision to step away from my career in state government to try something new. While I wasn’t entirely sure what the next chapter would look like, I knew I wanted to use my gifts to make a positive impact on my new hometown. While the Gazette is fresh, that mission isn’t new to me; it has been the cornerstone of my nearly 40 years as a communications professional spanning small businesses, nonprofits, and public service.

Sharing the wonderful stories and happenings across our community is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly. I am frequently humbled by calls and emails from absolute strangers thanking me for the Gazette, with many sharing that this is exactly what our community has needed for a long time. I am incredibly grateful for our first six months, and with your continued support, I look forward to building on this progress far into the future.

I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day weekend celebrating with family and friends! I am looking forward to taking a brief break to enjoy some quality time with my own family, and then we’ll be right back at it next week.

All the best,

Karen Owens
Publisher, Georgetown SC Gazette