Collin County Business Press - Newspaper

Collin County is as different from Dallas as Fort Worth is different from Dallas. The county is growing at a pace of about 40,000 people each year and they are coming from all across the United States and around the globe.

Consequently Collin County is a melting pot of cultures, educations, families and careers.

For the most part, people are coming to Collin County because they have a job here. They are following a company moving to this area, staying after coming for an education or they were hired by one of the numerous companies that continue to thrive in this “success” atmosphere.

Companies are moving here because of the educated workforce, excellent schools at every level of education, the availability of reasonable priced housing at all price levels and the availability of churches, shopping, arts and entertainment within Collin County.

Because people find a place to work and live in Collin County, they do not see themselves as an extension of Dallas. There is a thirst for news and information and people look locally first.

The hot buttons are business and family. Business is what brought them here and, since most have moved away from their extended family, the insular family is very important.

Jack Bick realized in 1994 that a locally focused business newspaper was fast becoming a necessity in this dynamic area.

The former publisher of the Dallas Business Journal and entrepreneur in the business journal industry, Bick put together a motivated staff and premiered the first edition of Inside Collin County Business in November of 1994.  The publication’s central focus remains as the foremost business information source and business-to-business marketing connection for the citizens of Collin County and its thriving communities.

As the only medium to explain to readers what is happening throughout the county, the newspaper soon found a loyal readership.  Through requested e-mail, a Web site and increasing the frequency of the newspaper to bi-weekly, Inside Collin County Business is the preeminent source of business news for the county.

Most counties of its size do not have the marketing resources available to them that are now provided by this innovative company. The newspaper provides display advertising, industry and city sections, pre-printed inserts, and inexpensive small space advertising.  Companies can also choose to advertise on the newspaper’s Web site which averages over 20,000 unique visitors per month with average stays between five and seven minutes.

The annual Book of Business, Newcomer and Economic Development Guide, is the best business tool a person could ever want to make contacts and understand this growth market. The company also publishes an annual Law Directory.

Hospitals, airports and non-profits have also called on Inside Collin County Business to create a custom publication exclusively about their entity.

Successful companies can find recognition for their excellence through two awards programs presented by Finish First Enterprises, Inc., a related company. The Comerica Collin 60 recognized the top 60 fastest growing companies at an exciting luncheon each spring. Companies that have top line growth over a three-year span are eligible for this award.

The Celebration of Enterprise. founded in 1997 is a daylong opportunity to celebrate doing business in a great market like Collin County. The day’s activities include an awards program, a business expo and a countywide networking event. The awards are presented to the most successful companies in five revenue categories. The expo features 125 vendors with exciting products and services to make business easier or more profitable. The Budweiser, Business on Tap draws business people from across the county. Many attendees walk away with cash and attendance prizes.

Sponsors flock to these opportunities to be identified with success and interact with the best business people of the area.

Inside Collin County Business actively supports a variety of charities and civic projects as well as local festivals and other events in Collin County.  It is also well known for its “21 for the 21st Century” leadership recognition program. Inside Collin County Business has been honored with a number of awards including the SBA Small Business Advocate of the Year award, was recognized for General Excellence by the Texas Community Newspaper Association and was named Small Business of the Year in 2000 by the Plano Chamber of Commerce and 2005 by the Allen Chamber of Commerce.

In 2006, Jack Bick, president and founder of the company, is joined by a staff of outstanding leaders including Andy Hardin, publisher; Angie Bick, office manager/event coordinator; Sam Bick, managing editor; Eddie Rose, circulation and marketing director; Mary Millholland, publication designer/creative director; Mark Liberio, account executive; and Stewart James, reporter.

Celebrating 12 years of service to Collin County business owners, the company is dedicated to continuing to “serve relevant and breaking news” as the number one source for business news regarding Collin County.

Inside Collin County Business is headquartered at 2222 West Spring Creek Road, Suite 114 in Plano, TX 75023 and on the web at www.isidetxbiz.com.