FREDERIC — Doug Panek, who started at the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association part-time sweeping floors in high school, is retiring after 33 years as manager, the company announced Thursday.
In his role as manager, Panek served as publisher of the (Frederic) Inter-County Leader and the (Shell Lake) Washburn County Register, while also overseeing the co-op’s five shopper publications. Panek’s full-time career at ICCPA began in 1972, when he was hired by former manager Ed Greinke, and in 1987 he took over the role.
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During his nearly 50 years at ICCPA, Panek did a little bit of everything — from inserting and tying newspapers to fixing computers in the middle of the night. Under his tenure as manager, he oversaw the purchase of the Register, expanding the company into three counties.
Panek, who owns a share of stock in ICCPA, told the Leader he plans to remain involved through annual meetings and board elections. The company will host an open-house reception to celebrate Panek’s career from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at ICCPA office in Frederic.
