Tracey Williams-Dillard was recently recognized with six others by the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) Half Century Club. The award honored seven individuals who have worked in the newspaper industry for 50 years or more. Williams-Dillard, who has been a part of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder since she was eight years old, stated on the podium — award in hand — how proud she is to see her family legacy grow beyond blood.
“There were times at events like these, it’d be just me and maybe one or two other people,” she said, turning to her team’s table of 8. “This isn’t a ‘Tracey Williams-Dillard award,’ this is a Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder [MSR] award.”
After receiving the news that she was an MNA award recipient, Williams-Dillard made a statement in front of her team members and supporters during their staff party earlier that week: “We are at the highest of highs, but I remember those lowest of the lows,” she said teary eyed. “I remember when the paper was being funded completely on our family credit cards and me facing the possibility of those office doors closing. I knew I never wanted to feel like that again, and so it’s amazing to see things as they are now —even if it took time.”
Williams-Dillards says her joy isn’t necessarily about receiving awards, but about the power of resilience. She says when rewards are slow, that doesn’t mean the time spent isn’t worth it.
At the MNA award ceremony, this conversation continued on to her team at the table, as she expressed her excitement toward the trajectory the historical business is on. Williams-Dillard, who expects that her decades of sweat, tears and dedication will transition to the hands of her daughter within the next decade, says she’s open to the paper becoming a new version of itself.
“While serving our long-time readers, of course,” she adds. With an expanded team, the range of things MSR has been able to invest time on has grown. Williams-Dillard says she recognizes that the current media landscape has changed. “Which is why I am so excited to have younger employees,” she exclaimed.
The publication has been building out on its digital footprint in addition to its historically well-known print newspaper. Williams-Dillard, who expresses having to wear many hats for MSR over the years, says she realizes that isn’t always efficient in serving quality over quantity.
“I know a lot, especially about this business, but I don’t know everything,” she laughed. “The older you get the more stuck in your ways you are, so building on the sources of feedback and input is essential to expansion within today’s rapidly changing media landscape.”
She concluded with confidence as her team responded with gratitude to be a part of MSR’s evolving impact on the community. “Mark my words — when I say I’m excited for the future of MSR, I know why.”
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com