The Southeast Missourian and Concord Printing Services, both divisions of Rust Communications, announced changes in their management structure this week. Mark Kneer, a longtime "go-to guy" for important projects at the Southeast Missourian, was named general manager of operations for the newspaper. Barry Thornton, a veteran commercial printing salesman and former sales manager, was named manager of Concord Printing Services.
Both will report to Jon K. Rust, the publisher of the newspaper and co-president of Rust Communications, and Rex Rust, co-president of Rust Communications.
Kneer, who has been the circulation director at the newspaper since 1993, already manages circulation strategy at more than 40 newspapers in the Rust Communications newspaper network, which includes the Southeast Missourian. Kneer is also building operations manager for the newspaper's Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Scott county properties.
Among numerous key projects led by him in recent years, Kneer managed the rehabilitation of the historic Southeast Missourian newspaper building in downtown Cape Girardeau.
"Mark brings a depth of experience in newspaper operations and a proven track record in organizational management," said Jon K. Rust. "He's also a good friend to Rex and me and our team of department heads. With my responsibilities throughout the company, this was the right time to name a manager for daily operations here in Cape Girardeau, especially for times when I am not available."
"I'm excited about this new challenge and honored by the trust being placed in me," Kneer said. "We have a superb team of managers with our department heads, and my role is to assist them where I can. They will still report to the publisher, and I will help execute plans and new initiatives."
Thornton has been a fixture in the region for local design, direct mail and printing services and was an original right-hand man to Rust Communications founder Gary W. Rust.
Recently, Thornton was instrumental in the company's expansion to services on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. He replaces Mike Tenholder, who took a position with MedAssets.
"Barry is a proven leader with a passion for customer service," said Rex Rust. "Those who work with him know that he always has their interests as the first priority. In today's changing world, it's good to know that Concord Printing is always there with quality service from people like Barry."
"It's all about the customer to me, and the people I work with," Thornton said. "If people want the highest quality service at fair prices, we want them to know we're here."
The Southeast Missourian publishes the area's largest daily newspaper and most popular local news website, as well as dozens of specialty publications. Concord Printing Services is a full-service design and printing operation, specializing in modern printing and imaging techniques not readily available elsewhere in the region. Both are divisions of Rust Communications, which spans eight states and includes more than 50 newspapers, affiliated websites and partial ownership in 17 radio stations.
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