Stockholders, board members and other interested parties gathered on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Frederic to hear the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association annual report for 2024.
An article in the Dec. 10, 2025 issue of the Inter-County Leader in Frederic included details of the meeting. According to the article:
Board President Chuck Holicky welcomed attendees and updated them on efforts to keep the paper viable amid industry challenges.
ICCPA President Richard Lee recognized long-tenured employees:
40-plus years: Gayle Olson, Carolyn Foltz.
30-39 years: Kim Talmadge, Mary Hedlund.
20-29 years: Marlys Elrod, Jake Matz.
10-19 years: Jacob Fredericks, Tony Wilson and Dave Vander Hayden.
Lee also detailed operations, including recent equipment purchases. He explained that the Leader costs $3.15 per issue to produce, but sells for $2.25 — resulting in a loss of 90 cents per issue. Losses are offset by other revenue streams, including the Yellow Advertiser.
A $2,000 postal increase from July pushed postage costs higher, Lee said, but advocacy through the National Newspaper Association resulted in the cancellation of a planned postage hike in January.
Lee promoted the new Leader website as user-friendly, with expanded content — including drop-down sections for automotive, agriculture and more, plus free digital access for print subscribers.
Secretary/Treasurer Karen Krouch read the minutes from the Dec. 5, 2024 meeting, which were approved. She was also approved unanimously for a fourth term.
Accountant CarlsonSV confirmed stable revenue and controlled expenses despite lost ad revenue, inflation and industry pressures. The stability has enabled continued investment in sustainability practices.
Open House event
The meeting was held in conjunction with the ICCPA Christmas Open House on Dec. 4 and 5, 2025 at 303 Wisconsin Ave. North in Frederic.
The event featured free coffee, cider and cookies baked by the office staff as well as subscription and merchandise discounts.
