A few weeks ago, The Journal started packing moving boxes and preparing for its move a few doors down from its decadelong location at 8 W. Main St. to the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, 20 W. Main St.
“It's the same crew, with the same mission, just a few doors west of our old office on Main Street,” said Trent Stephens, executive editor for The Journal, Durango Herald and Tri-City Record.
“Tamara Desrosiers is still at the front door, and Joe Nelson, Cameryn Cass and I are upstairs,” Stephens added. “Stop by our new space at the Cortez Chamber and say hello.”
The building is also home to the LOR Foundation, Indigenous Wellbriety, Region 9 and the Montezuma County Republicans, to name a few organizations that are based in the building.
“We spent a lot of time evaluating options for our new digs in Cortez before deciding on the Cortez Chamber of Commerce office,” said John Blais, publisher and CEO of Ballantine Communications Inc.
“While there were other great options, the location … keeps us in a visible spot and offers several amenities and resources that will be helpful to our team.”
Blais added that the coworking space in the building is ideal, “as we expect The Journal to grow in the coming years.”
“We're looking to hire an additional reporter, who would focus on the Four Corners area,” Stephens said.
“There is no threat to the newspaper,” Blais said. “The move is a proactive step to help us stay ahead of rising costs and tariffs that are increasing our expenses.”
At the same time, “over the past two decades, the digital age has transformed our news reporting, advertising and production operations,” he said.
“Fewer employees need to be in the office to collaborate and complete their work. Many supporting roles, like graphic designers, copy editors and advertising operations now work remotely or in other BCI offices,” Blais said. “Our office was simply more than what we actually needed.”
If you’re interested in The Journal’s reporter position, email Stephens at tstephens@the-journal.com or Human Resources Manager Kari Pathius at kpathuis@bcimedia.com.
