America is built on innovation and doing things better. We don’t wait for it to come to us we create it. During a State of the Union address former President Barack Obama said, “We are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook, In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives. It’s how we make a living.” That statement “In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives. It’s how we make our living,” is something I come back to over and over again.

At the newspaper we know a thing or two about innovation and change. Just a few short years ago the newspaper was only available in print. You waited each week for Wednesday to roll around when the newspaper was printed and would be delivered to your home or office or you could pick up a copy at the newsstand. Then you had to wait another week for the following Wednesday to get another issue. That was it. No other option, end of story.

At least that would have been the end of the story and probably the newspaper if it weren’t for the American tradition of innovation. Times changed, you spoke and we listened and changed along with it.

Some of you want the paper in print, so be it. We still print the newspaper and deliver it like clock-work every Wednesday. These days we just give you more options. If you want it printed and delivered to your door, we can and still do. If you want to read it online, no problem we have a robust website that is also mobile friendly for reading on your cell phone, laptop or tablet if that is your preference. If you are the social media type of person we have you covered there as well with our Facebook page and Twitter account.

We are always listening, willing to adapt and change and we want your input. We invite you to share with us, let us know what you’d like to see in your community newspaper. If something works we want to hear about it, same thing goes if it doesn’t work. You can reach me directly via email at Betty.Ramsey@TheCharlotteGazette.com or by phone at 434-808-0636.

Betty Ramsey is publisher of The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Betty.Ramsey@TheCharlotteGazette.com.