CHAD GILLIS, Multimedia Journalist - Vista Semanal's Department

About CHAD GILLIS

Information

Biography

I got started in this industry while studying mass communications at Middle Tennessee State University, where I graduated in 1998. I was the editor of the campus paper, Sidelines, during my senior year and moved to Southwest Florida in January of 1999.

I started as a staff writer at what was then the Bonita Banner. I've been with the company for more than 10 years now, and currently serve as editor of the Banner.

There have been increasing talks of the demise of print newspapers. It will happen. There will come a day when information is all stored on computer. And if someone wants a printed version, they'll do it themselves at home or work.

But we're alive, for today at least. This is a great market for journalism. We still have a significant population that wants our printed papers. That's a rarity in much of the country. Be certain, we're making many changes, trimming costs and re-evaluating everything we do.

Change is rampant in almost every industry in today's economic climate. It's no different here. We are, however, gaining ground. At least I think we are. And overall, our roll in society/culture hasn't changed. Journalism is about providing information to people who need and want it.

The difference nowadays is we have many platforms, not just a printed version. Our new Web site, the-banner.com, is one example. Then there's Twitter, Facebook, fingers tapping away on Blackberries.

■ Reach me on Twitter

Hobbies include canoeing, sailing, fishing and hanging out with my wife, Marcie -- picture above, right -- and our great danes.

Position History

Multimedia Journalist
04/11/2008 - current
Staff Writer - Features
08/13/2006 - 04/11/2008
Staff Writer - Banner and Bonita News
02/17/1999 - 08/13/2006

RSS Feeds

Stories

Recent Work

Stories

Bonita Springs pushes to take over ambulance service Published 10/05/2011 at 9:20 p.m.
Lee County handles ambulance services inside the city, but fire officials have been fighting to provide ambulance services themselves.
Lee commissioners reviewing Twins spring training complex Updated 10/04/2011 at 3:03 p.m.
Amid all the hoopla surrounding the $75 million JetBlue Park and the Red Sox facility, Lee County commissioners shifted their attention Tuesday to the team across town.
Lee County looks to crack down on scrap metal sales Published 10/03/2011 at 5:58 p.m.
Thieves banking on stealing air conditioning coils and copper wiring for income may want to scrap their business models if Lee County adopts an ordinance cracking down on scrap metal sales.
Collier-Lee connecting bus line crosses county line starting Thursday Published 10/02/2011 at 1:14 p.m.
A public transportation route that’s been talked about for years will become a reality Thursday. Starting Thursday, the new segment will start in Estero at Coconut Point Mall, run south to Bernwood Drive, then east on Old 41 Road. From ...
Air conditioner contested as Bonita Springs Council approves $19.5 million budget Published 09/26/2011 at 5:51 p.m.
A $6,000 air conditioning unit was the only contested item during the final adoption of the 2011-12 Bonita Springs budget.
They’re baaack! Southwest Florida tourist season getting early start Published 09/24/2011 at 5 p.m.
The calendar says autumn began Friday. Thermometers suggest otherwise. Economically, the barometer is seasonal residents, and some tourism and industry experts in Collier and Lee say using that measure, winter has started to arrive.
Bonita Springs wants answers about future of the library Published 09/21/2011 at 2:12 p.m.
City Council voted 5-0 Wednesday in favor of a resolution they hope will force Lee County to either contribute to the library system or let Bonita Springs split off from the county system.
Former ATF agent joins the Bonita Springs mayoral race Published 09/19/2011 at 8:55 p.m.
Grothaus served as the ATF Special Agent in Charge for the state of Wyoming and has a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University. “When I look at our budget it concerns me because we’ve had multiple years where ...
Lee tourism brings in $3 million more than projected in 2010-11 Published 09/18/2011 at 3 p.m.
Lee County resorts and hotels brought in more than $22 million in tourism taxes for fiscal 2010-11. That’s actually less than the $22.7 million collected in 2009-10, but more than county planners and tourism industry leaders expected.
Bonita Springs, area lawmakers call for end to districts that split the city Published 09/17/2011 at 4 p.m.
Bonita Springs has long been chopped up into an infamous state Senate voting district, one that stretches from south Lee County to the south shore of Lake Okeechobee and further east to Palm Beach County. That won’t be the case ...