JOYCE Carlson was elected president of CCNA at the 75th annual convention in Prince Edward Island. She was publisher of The Gulf Islands Driftwood, based at Ganges, Salt Spring Island from 1989 until 1995. Before that she was publisher of The News and Town Crier in Powell River, B. C. In 1995 she returned to her home town of Powell River to launch The Powell River Peak in competition with The News.
She began her newspaper career as a hockey stringer in 1970, then worked as a lifestyles editor, sports reporter and editor, senior reporter and editor before being named assistant publisher in 1984. Two years later she became publisher.
Her writing earned her a first place MacMillan Bloedel journalism award in 1981. This five part series was also runner-up in the CCNA feature award competition.
She was elected to the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspapers Association board of directors in 1986, serving as marketing chair. In 1989 she was elected president of the provincial association.
After being named one of the three B. C. and Yukon representatives on the CCNA board in 1987, Joyce chaired the national marketing committee for six years.
Her community involvement includes serving as president of the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce for two terms after being a director for several years.
Since high school, Joyce has been interested in public speaking. As a member of International Training in Communications (formerly Toastmistress) she participated in an international speech contest along with competitors from 22 other countries.
While her two sons were growing up, she was active in hockey and baseball associations.
Joyce Carlson compared her year as president to a bumper car ride. Before she became involved with the CCNA, she had never been east of Calgary. As president, she crossed Canada from B.C. to Newfoundland and up to the Northwest Territories. She also attended the 80th annual meeting of the Audit Bureau of Circulations in Chicago and hosted the presidents and vice-presidents on Salt Spring Island. Hoping to build a closer relationship between CCNA and Les Hebdos du Quebec, Joyce and executive director Michael Anderson attended the Hebdos’ annual meeting of 135 community newspapers.
CCNA, with Les Hebdos, daily newspapers, couriers and other Canada Post competitors established The Coalition for Canada Post Accountability. President Carlson and executive director Michael Anderson presented a brief to David Dingwall, Minister of Public Works and Government services and the cabinet minister responsible for Canada Post. It contained evidence supporting CCNA’s allegations of cross-subsidization and unfair pricing practices.
CCNA approved a $25,000 contribution toward the establishment of an electronic clipping service. Central office computer equipment was upgraded and CCNA was connected to all regional association bulletin board systems. This electronic link was Joyce’s major goal for her year as president and it was accomplished before her term was up.
CCNA office staff included executive director Michael Anderson, regional services director Karen Hamilton, administrative assistant Tina Ongkeko, secretary/receptionist Kathleen Hering; Shelley Yako left as verified circulation manager and was replaced by Kathryn Doohan.
