NewsBeat

December 2016 NewsBeat 21 MEMBER NEWS February 16, 1942 - October 8, 2016 — Born in Buffalo, NY — Resided in Buckeye, AZ John J. Evans, retired executive VP of Bee Newspapers ohn J. Evans, 74, retired executive vice president of Bee Group Newspapers and a past president of the New York Press Association, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Mr. Evans' 37-year career with The Bee began as an advertising sales representative. He previously owned his own retail store, Evans China and Gifts, in the University Plaza. Earlier, he studied in the industrial arts curriculum at Buffalo State College. "His intensive newspaper experience has been felt by many here in Western New York and across the state. The Bee has grown under his guidance, and we are all much better off for that experience," said Bee Publisher Trey Measer upon Mr. Evans' retirement in 2009. "It is hard to believe that I have been here more than 36 years," Mr. Evans said when he retired. "It has been really wonderful to see The Bee grow over the years, and I hope that the growth will continue for another 130-plus years." Soon afterward, he moved from his home in the Town of Tonawanda to Buckeye, Arizona. The New York Press Association named an award in his honor, presented to the single newspaper that tallies the most contest points for advertising awards in its annual contest. Mr. Evans served as president of the organization in 1987. "John was deeply involved in setting up a viable action plan for association sales. Any time any of us had sales questions or challenges, he was always at the other end of the phone to help. His spirit and talent are forever baked into NYPA," said Leah Dunaief, a past president of NYPA and publisher of the Times-Beacon-Record Newspapers, Setauket. "John was a bright, talented, innovative, doggedly determined person, dedicated to Bee Group Newspapers, our association, and to selling as an honorable career. It was a privilege to know him, to serve with him in NYPA, and to learn from him. I like the idea of creating a continuing sales training program; it seems like something that would bring a smile to John's face," said Mary Anna Towler, a past president of NYPA and publisher of City Newspaper, Rochester. Michelle Rea, executive director of the New York Press Association and the New York Press Association Foundation, said she had just spoken to Mr. Evans last week. "During our conversation, he told me that he was honored that NYPA created the John J. Evans award in his honor and he planned to make a significant contribution to the foundation as seed money to do something additional with the Evans Award," she said. "He suggested an annual ad sales certification training program or a program on college campuses to encourage students to pursue advertising sales as a career." Mr. Evans was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Brenda Carole Evans (nee Clark(, who died in 2008. Born in Canada, Mrs. Evans came to the United States during her mid-teen years. She officially became a U.S. citizen in 2006 and was excited to vote in the 2008 presidential election. Surviving are three children, William of Seattle, John of Williamsville and Michael of Virginia Beach; and two grandchildren. J Responding to the news of John Evan's death in October, I received dozens of calls and notes from the NYPA community. NYPA past president Leah Dunaief (publisher of Times-Beacon-Record Newspapers, Setauket, Long Island) sent a note expressing her sorrow. She said Mary Anna Towler (NYPA past president and publisher, City Newspaper, Rochester), Bob Trentlyon (former publisher of the Chelsea Clinton News) and she could attest to the fact that John was instrumental in saving NYPA in 1983 - 1984, when the association was flat broke. John was deeply involved in hiring Don Carroll and setting up an action plan to facilitate association ad sales. Leah said, "Besides all the serious stuff, he was great fun to party with. His spirit and talent are forever baked into NYPA." Newspaper ad sales trainer Bob McInnis wrote, "Very sad. As many of you know, I was privileged to be John's ad director for many years. He was an incredible manager, teacher, mentor, and friend. They broke the mold after they made John. He had a big impact on me as he seems to have had with everyone he met." By MICHELLE REA — executive director, NYPA From my perspective, John Evans was the quintessential goodwill ambassador for NYPA. In his home district of Buffalo, he created a sense of cooperation, mutual respect and support among competing newspapers. We don't often enough see competitors helping one another, but in the Western region of the state, it is commonplace even today, because of the culture John created. Statewide, he was viewed as the "all-knowing, and all-powerful" ad sales guru — one who was always available to ad directors and publishers in need of friendly ear, advice about rates or sales kits, staff training, or just a good idea to help make monthly sales goals. At the Association level, he was innovative, creative, and courageous in his quest to create a business model and revenue streams that would make NYPA sustainable, while providing incremental revenue for member newspapers. The platforms he helped to create are still in use today at state press associations across the country. I know he wouldn't mind me also noting that he enjoyed being the life of the party — a fun seeker who enjoyed being just a bit naughty — the legends abound (Kathy Mason, Joe Gill, Carl Aiello, …). I also remember a special advertising supplement to the Bee Newspapers that featured a cover photo of John and publisher Trey Measer after they both had makeovers at a newly-opened hair salon for men. He was a huge believer in, and supporter of NYPA, and he loved newspapers, especially the ad sales side. NYPA established an award in his honor in 1990 — the prestigious John J. Evans Award for Advertising Excellence is presented annually to the newspaper garnering the most points in the advertising categories of NYPA's annual, statewide, Better Newspaper Contest. The sad news of John's death prompted a flood of tributes, fond memories, and anecdotes from publishers and former colleagues across the state — many of whom viewed John as a powerful mentor. I personally, will always be grateful for his unconditional support of NYPA and me, for his gracious good humor, and for his generosity to the industry he loved. John Evans was instrumental in saving NYPA

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