Collegian, Inc. picks business manager

The Board of Directors of Collegian Inc. selected, at its meeting last night, Christopher Taylor as The Daily Collegian business manager for the 1997-98 academic year.

The three applicants for the position appeared before the board and were interviewed for 20 minutes each. The board then went into a closed session for about an hour of deliberation.

The other applicants were Tressa Campbell and Seth Isaacs, both currently layout specialists.

"The board deliberated very conscientiously and diligently," said David Day, president of the board. Day said that all three candidates were well qualified, but experience and leadership qualities made Taylor the best choice.

Taylor said he is optimistic about his term and has a number of areas he plans to focus on, such as Internet advertising, recruiting and focusing on clients outside the immediate area and in national chains. He also said he thinks the staff made great strides in the past year, and he would like to continue in that direction.

"I feel this year went really well, but I'd like to see an increase in advertising sales inches," he said. "I'd like to keep up the momentum we have now."

Gerry Lynn Hamilton, general manager of Collegian Inc., said he also thinks the staff should continue in the direction it's going now.

"A lot of good things were done in the business division this year, and I'd like to see that continue," Hamilton said.

While Taylor completes his term as advertising manager for the staff, current business manager Joanne Charyton, a member of the board, said she will be sad to leave her position. But, she said, she feels confident leaving it in Taylor's hands.

"I know I'm leaving it in good hands," Charyton said. "Chris is going to do an excellent job . . . (he has) a lot of experience that will help him.

Editor in Chief Jason Alt said he has a unique perspective on the selection, because Taylor was editor in chief of the high school newspaper of which Alt was once a staff member.

"Having known Chris since high school, I've watched him continue to mature and become a stronger, more confident leader," Alt said. "I think Chris will be the leader who can properly explain to our business community how important the Collegian is in students' daily life."

Advertising Advisor Candy Heckard said she is looking forward to working with Taylor.

"Chris' experience is going to stand him in good stead for the year," she said. "He's got the background."