Kathy Metcalf is named IPA 'Advertising Sales Representative of the Year'

MARION - Kathy Metcalf has spent nearly four decades managing the needs of the business community in the "Hub of the Universe" in her job as an advertising sales representative for the Marion Republican.

Last Friday, those efforts were rewarded as the Illinois Press Association named Metcalf "Advertising Sales Representative of the Year."

"I am definitely surprised," said Metcalf, whose award was presented at the Du Quoin Call office earlier in the month by Sandy Pistole of the IPA.

Due to the pandemic, the annual IPA convention was held as a virtual event.

And while COVID-19 has halted and altered many such events, Metcalf has managed to adapt and continue to meet her sales goals.

"It's been challenging," she said. "I'm a face-to-face people person so it's been hard for me having to reach people by phone and email."

While the award may have surprised Metcalf, her continued success is no surprise to her co-workers.

"Kathy supports us with her advertising sales, but she is also one of the best ambassadors these papers have in the community," said Renee Trappe, Group Editor for Southern Illinois LOCAL Media Group. "She is well-liked. She paves the way and makes it easier for the journalists to do their job."

Meeting people is a favorite part of the job for Metcalf.

"I love the people I work with. I love my clients, knowing them and their families, what they like," she said. "I'm here to try and help them."

That work ethic is no surprise to Stefanie Anderson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for SILMG.

"Kathy is one of those special people that not only loves what she does, but is good at doing it," she said. "She is never afraid to tackle something new and never turns down an opportunity to help other staff members. She is often the face of our organization, the first point of contact between the public and our product, and she always presents a positive image. We are lucky to have her as a valued member of our team."

SILMG Graphic Artist Gatha Moore has seen Metcalf in action for 21 years.

"She's the one that all the salespeople look up to and want to be," she said.

Devan Vaughn, SILMG Director of Advertising, agrees.

"She's pretty much a dream," she said. "She has an account list that any salesperson would be proud of. "

Vaughn said that much of Metcalf's success comes because she pushes herself to achieve at higher levels. "She sets her own numbers."

All of Metcalf's co-workers point out that she constantly goes above and beyond to help ensure the success of the newspaper.

"She will do whatever she can to help whether it's her job or not," said Vaughn.

In an industry that sometimes struggles to compete with the instant gratification of technology, Metcalf brings something extra to the table.

"Kathy proves that advertising in print media remains an exciting and affordable opportunity for advertisers to reach potential customers," said Harrisburg Register Managing Editor Travis DeNeal. "I'm glad to see her hard work and determination recognized on a statewide basis."

As for Metcalf, she says she is "quite honored" and plans to continue what has become her life's work.

"I've done this so much I wouldn't know how to do anything else," she said. "I wouldn't even want to do anything else."