Since I was hired as regional editor in September, I’ve been making my way to our communities to host coffee events.

While I’ve made my way to the Island for a radio interview at Mercer Island High School and a Rotary speaking engagement, I haven’t yet held a coffee event.

The coffee events are meant to solicit constructive feedback about the paper and the content we run. They’re communication events, so expect a two-way conversation. In Issaquah and Snoqualmie, I’ve had an opportunity to communicate my vision for coverage and also discuss the resources we have available to the publications.

We have some unique opportunities and challenges with the seven publications I oversee. But a good vision can make full use of the opportunities while overcoming challenges.

My vision should also be mostly aligned to your vision. In some instances, we’ve been commended for our coverage at the Reporter, and in some other cases my decisions have been criticized. Much of that criticism has informed the decisions I’ve made since. All feedback is essential.

Further, having an open line of communication helps us gather news tips and fosters relationships with community stakeholders. As I’ve told many people in the past, “I only know what I know, and I can only be where I am,” so story suggestions, news tips, and relationships are essential to a strong community newspaper.

I look forward to discussing the Reporter with you at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at Convivial Cafe, 3020 78th Ave. SE.

Come on out with suggestions, constructive feedback, and any other talking points. You bring the conversation, and I’ll buy the coffee.

I look forward to meeting you there and then.

Regional editor Corey Morris can be reached at cmorris@soundpublishing.com.