IN-PERSON ROTARY: Michael Smith, Executive editor at Aiken Standard

Michael Smith will talk about his recently released book about the history of the town of Hamburg, SC.

The Coastal Carolina alumnus, who once had dreams of playing professionally on the PGA Tour, has carved out a strong niche in the newspaper industry since moving south from New York in 1993. In addition to being editor of the Chronicle, Smith was also the newspaper’s online editor, heading up the paper’s digital presence.

“I’m extremely excited about working with the folks in Aiken. It’s a daily newspaper that’s committed to community news,” Smith said. “That was tremendously important to me.”

Smith said he believes there is a place for community news in a daily news environment. In addition to overseeing the Aiken Standard, Smith will also oversee the North Augusta Star and the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock Club publication Spurs & Feathers.

“I think people can get their national news from other sources, but in many respects, the Aiken Standard is the area’s only choice for local news,” Smith said. “If we don’t publish the community news, who will?”

Smith is married to Nicole Pioli Smith, and the proud owner of two dogs, hound mixes Tyson and Hunter. He is also a two-time weekly Journalist of the Year, a three-time Montgomery FOI award recipient and Photojournalist of the Year in the weekly category.

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Rotarians: We’re excited to announce the return of in-person meetings. Now, there are two ways to stay connected to our community.

IN-PERSON MONDAY MEETINGS
In-person meetings will be conducted on each Monday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

RECORDED VIRTUAL ROTARY
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