Dick Janko, Peru, Illinois - Janko Hospitality

For years, the dozen or so communities in our region marketed, branded and promoted on their own. John changed that mindset towards more of a teamwork and synergistic approach with  the understanding that working together will always yield more fruit. John was the cornerstone and highly instrumental in the conceptualization, implementation, and overall success of our Starved Rock Country (SRC) regional marketing and branding implementation.  When it comes to economic development and/or media projects, John has led by example and is the best at what he does.

Michelle Evans, Belle Fourche, South Dakota - Business Owner

I think the week with John Newby and Truly-Local, was BY FAR the most forward-thinking event Belle Fourche, S.D. has ever had. Brainstorming, asking hard questions, talking about difficult topics, breaking traditional barriers, and learning to work with all the spokes of the wheel. 

Dylan Lucht, Main Street Muskogee Board President

John has demonstrated a constant passion for developing and growing downtown communities and supporting small business through many varied shop hyper-local campaigns and marketing strategies.  John has a proven proactive approach to dealing with problems and is effective in anticipating potential issues before they surface.  He has a strong desire for continual learning and for thinking outside of the box when it comes to accepting new and challenging projects. I have enjoyed John’s easy and confident communication style and his ability to deal positively with personal and public issues that arise when working with so many different segments and viewpoints that typically make up a downtown community. 

Baily Dabney, Senior Media Executive, Lee Enterprises

John Newby has proven over and over that he is a winner. He is very detail oriented, passionate, and a tireless champion for our industry. I like the way his brain works. He is literally flooded with great ideas to fill needs and fix problems. Its easy to like John.

Carol Ann Riorden, Senior Executive, Non-Profit Leadership

John Newby is, hands down, no questions asked, one of the most innovative thinkers in our industry. While others run away from change, John rushes toward it ... with open arms. We're fortunate to have forward thinking leaders like him.

Linnie Pride, Regional Director, APG

While John is one of the most intelligent people I know, what impresses me most about him is his eagerness to continue learning. He and I have often been participants at industry training events, and his depth of reasoning and his level of analytical skills always amaze me.