New editor takes reins at Joplin Tri-State paper

For the first time since the newspaper's 2006 inception, a new editor is in charge at Joplin Tri-State Business Journal, Springfield Business Journal's sister publication.

Chris Roberts, previously JTBJ's sole staff reporter, started as editor Aug. 3. He replaces Jeff Wells, who left July 31 to pursue a doctorate in American history at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Roberts joined the JTBJ staff in February 2007 after serving as assistant editor for Group Magazine in Loveland, Colo. His past experience also includes stints as reporter and features editor for the Carthage Press, reporter for The Joplin Globe and managing editor of special publications for Liberty Group Publishing, now GateHouse Media.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from Missouri Southern State University.

Roberts said his familiarity with the tri-state area has prepared him for directing the news coverage at JTBJ.

"It's not just a place that I cover - this is my home," Roberts said. "I'm a part of this community, and I'm rubbing shoulders with these people and telling their stories."

Roberts plans to emphasize the newspaper's visual elements, add focus to its Web site, www.joplintristate.biz, and increase the number of in-depth stories in each biweekly issue.

Jennifer Jackson, chief operations officer of JTBJ parent company SBJ Publishing, said Roberts has a "big pair of shoes to fill" but will transition into his new role smoothly.

"Chris has been preparing for this for a long time," Jackson said. "It's my hope that the Joplin community will embrace him. He's certainly up to the task."

Efforts are under way to hire a reporter at the newspaper by September, Jackson said. Meanwhile, a second full-time salesperson has been hired to join advertising Account Executive Teresa Divine. Ezra Cook started Aug. 10.[[In-content Ad]]