SOUTH COUNTY - The Royal Register has taken the next step in its growth plans by installing Tom Hinde as publisher.

Hinde has been the circulation director for the Columbia Basin Herald since 2003. He's also handled that duty at the Register since it was launched in 2010.

At The Royal Register, Hinde will take charge of all aspects of publication except the news. That will remain Ted Escobar's responsibility.

It was Hinde's goal since arriving at the Herald to be a publisher. That dream fit well with the newspaper's need for full-time attention in sales and promotions.

"As publisher, I'm proud and honored to be given this wonderful opportunity," Hinde said. "I believe a great newspaper reflects the values and beliefs of the communities it serves. Our most important assets are the connections we have with our readers and the services we offer to the businesses who support the Royal Register. Each is important to what we do every day.

The Royal Register is part of Hagadone Newspapers, with a close relationship to the Herald. Regional Publisher Harlan Beagley has overall responsibility for the Herald, the Register, the Crescent Bar Chronicle and the Bridge TVWeek.

"It is always exciting to be able to promote within the organization," he said. "Tom Hinde was a good choice to lead The Royal Register because of his many ties to that community. Tom has done an exceptional job in our other properties, and I feel he will be an asset to our south county communities."

Hinde has been a circulation professional in the newspaper industry for several years. Prior to joining the Herald, Hinde served as single copy sales manager with the Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

Earlier in his career, Hinde was the circulation operations manager with the Centre Daily Times in State College, Penn., circulation marketing and promotions manager with Charleston Newspapers in Charleston, West Virginia and held various positions with the Lincoln Journal Star in Lincoln, Nebraska.

His interests outside of newspapering are golf, political history and woodworking.