It started with a simple idea: sharing positive stories about the community we live, work and play in. ThurstonTalk was created in 2011 by local entrepreneurs who wanted to know what was going on in their own communities: Who were the faces behind the local businesses? What are the nonprofits up to? Where can I get pizza with my dog on a Friday night? What hikes are best in the winter? What’s being built on Marvin Road? What’s more, they gave local businesses a way to focus their advertising to reach their target customers easily and effectively. Fifteen years later, it’s clear they filled a niche market that was wanted by readers and businesses alike. And they are still meeting that need.
“It has been so rewarding, amplifying community stories,” shares Dan Jones, CEO and founder of NorthAmericaTalk
Since 2011, the company has continued to grow, with over 18 media groups in counties throughout Washington and Oregon. They reach over 1.6 million readers a month. Readers who are looking to support local businesses. Readers wanting to know the best places to vacation, the history of that cute building on the corner they pass every day, or where to take their e-bikes, without a ton of Google searching.
And, with local, human writers and not AI, it’s information that can be trusted to be factual, as it comes from reliable sources through interviews.
“Our team of 50 content creators, editors and publishers continually evolves while producing high-quality content, which creates trust with our readers and clients,” shares Jones.
We document history, telling stories that may never have been told otherwise. “In a world with so much negative news, I jumped at the chance to work with a company sharing the good in my community,” shares Kristina Lotz, ThurstonTalk editor, who has worked for NorthAmericaTalk since 2016. “From 4-H kids proudly talking about their latest projects and the man down the street that makes soup to give out to those in need, to the business run by a local couple who started it in their basement – these are the stories that brighten your day, increase your faith in humanity and may even inspire you to chase a dream. That’s what we are all about, and I feel fortunate to be a part of that.”
Thank you to our readers and sponsors for 15 years of telling community-focused stories. We look forward to continuing to give your positive stories a voice in your community.
