There is a bit of tribal wisdom that has been floating around boardrooms, newsletters, and internet memes:
“When you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”
But instead, we often:
- Buy a stronger whip (new tools or tech),
- Change riders (new leadership),
- Rebrand the horse (spin failure as success),
- Or form a committee to study the horse.
It is funny—because it is true.
But more than that, it is useful. Especially now.
The Local News Collapse—and a Better Way Forward
The collapse of local journalism is not hypothetical. It is history.
Since 2005, more than 2,900 newspapers in the U.S. have shut down. Entire counties now go without a single local outlet. And even those that “went digital” often chased scale, clicks, and trends—losing their connection to the people they once served.
As marketing legend Theodore Levitt warned:
“People do not want a quarter-inch drill. They want a quarter-inch hole.”
Many media outlets forgot that. They thought they were in the newspaper business when they were really in the community business.
And into that vacuum stepped the Bro-ligarchs—Big Tech platforms that devoured attention, ad dollars, and trust. They did not just outcompete. They changed the game—and local lost.
Happy Valley is blessed with exceptional local news organizations. With great respect for their vital role, we’re building something distinct—meant to complement, not compete.
But That is Not Our Story
At HappyValleyIndustry.com, we are not trying to bring back the past.
We are building what comes next.
We are a digital-first storytelling platform rooted in place and powered by purpose. We tell the stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth happening here—because we believe Happy Valley is one of the greatest places on earth to live, work, play, raise a family—and eventually, welcome people back home to retire.
And we are seeing signs of momentum:
- 4,600+ subscribers, with more joining every week.
- Outstanding open and click rates, growing social shares, and positive responses.
A community that is starting to lean in—and now, we want to open the doors wide. Should we?
To get this right, we need your help—and your voice.
Until now, we’ve focused on innovators, founders, and doers. But now it’s time to expand: to students, alumni, neighbors, civic leaders, and anyone who believes in this region’s future.
We’re not chasing clicks.
We’re building connection.
But belief without clarity can still become… well, a dead horse.
So we’re inviting you to help guide what we’re becoming.
So… What Business Are We Really In?
This is our moment of truth. Not because we are failing—but because we are growing.
Because with growth comes responsibility. And choice.
Are we a weekly newsletter?
A digital magazine?
A new kind of town hall?
Or are we something else entirely—a locally grown, mission-driven network for storytelling, discussion, and a catalyst for change? Can we evolve into a hyper local social network platform. A NextDoor with thoughtful discussion that drives off line events and a deeper social connection? Love that site for my snow and tree removal super star and handyman!!
We do not pretend to have all the answers. That is why we are asking you.
We Need Your Voice—Literally
Yes, we want your feedback.
But we also want your involvement.
Do you want to:
- Join our storytelling team and help highlight the people and ideas shaping Happy Valley?
- Moderate our soon-to-launch forums and help create a space for thoughtful dialogue and community building?
- Or just share your perspective—by filling out a quick, anonymous survey that helps guide where we go next?
We are not here to extract attention. We are here to build connection.
We are doing this because we care.
Because we believe in this place—and the people who make it special.
This Is the Call
Take the survey.
Join the movement.
Become a voice in the next chapter of Happy Valley.
Because belief is powerful—but belief in action builds lasting change.
Let us dismount the dead horses.
Let us build something new.
And let us do it together.
