After five years of out-of-state ownership, the Sunnyside (Washington) Sun is excited to announce the sale of the business to two members of the management staff. The transition marks a significant milestone for the publication as it enters a new era of journalism.
Effective May 1, the Sunnyside Sun will be owned by Ileana Martinez and Job Wise, both involved community members with deep roots in Sunnyside. The new owners bring a wealth of publishing experience and a shared commitment to preserving the newspaper’s legacy of delivering local news and advertising opportunities to readers and businesses.
Martinez, who has been with the newspaper since 2013, is enthusiastic about the transition. “We are thrilled to bring the ownership home and continue to be a part of the Sunnyside Sun’s history and future,” Martinez said. “We view our work as a service to the community and hope we can keep our readers’ trust and support.”
Wise, who has been with the newspaper since 2008, reflected on the journey of the past years and the road ahead. “We've had our share of ups and downs, but we've stuck it out and learned a lot,” Wise said. “Now, we’ll keep moving forward, make things better and continue to share the local history as it happens.”
Under the new ownership, readers can expect to see uninterrupted mail and electronic delivery of the Sunnyside Sun, as well as a continued focus on hyperlocal journalism, high-quality photos and expanded digital services. The Sunnyside Sun’s website, www.sunnysidesun.com, will continue to be updated daily, providing readers with timely news updates and engaging content.
Outgoing owner Andy McNab expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “Over the past five years these entrepreneurs have stabilized the business side while earning respect throughout Washington with award-winning local news coverage, specialty publications and photography,” McNab said. “It was never my intention to manage this trusted newspaper by way of out-of-state ownership, but to rely on my experiences in the industry to maintain the flow of community news and advertising in Sunnyside. I congratulate the new owners and urge your local support.”
The Sunnyside Sun held an open house on May 1 at its main office at 600 S. Sixth Street, from 1-4 p.m. Open to the community, the event was an opportunity to meet the new owners and staff members. A grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Friday, May 24, at 3 p.m.
About the Sunnyside Sun:
The Sunnyside Sun has been serving the Sunnyside community since 1901. As a trusted source of news and information, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable and timely coverage of local events, issues and high school sports. For more information, visit sunnysidesun.com.
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About Ileana Martinez:
Ileana Martinez has 11 years of experience in the newspaper industry including graphic design for the Daily Sun News, prepress layout for Columbia Gorge Press, and current media director of the Sunnyside Sun. She is a 2010 graduate of Sunnyside High School and received her associate degree from Yakima Valley College in 2012. Martinez is a member of local organizations including the Sunnyside United-Unidos Coalition, Empowering Sisters Network and a supporter of youth sports in the community. She is also the owner of a small home-based candle business in Sunnyside and participates in community events throughout the summer.
About Job Wise:
Job Wise has more than 15 years of experience in the newspaper industry including time as production manager of the Daily Sun News and current general manager of the Sunnyside Sun. He is a 2000 graduate of Oakdale High School and received his education in web and graphic design at the Institute of Technology in Modesto, California. He also studied accounting at the LDS Business College (now Ensign College) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wise is an active member in the local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His six children are active in school sports and clubs, while his wife teaches piano, violin and works as a choir accompanist at a local high school. Wise also offers his talents as a balloon animal twister at community events.
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