Ninety-four employees.

A combined 1,494 years of experience.

Those numbers highlighted the first Hagadone Communications After 5 celebration honoring employees who have been with the company for more than five years.

"I appreciate all of you," said Brad Hagadone, president of The Hagadone Corp. "I'm pretty fortunate to be surrounded by such great people."

The Wednesday gathering at the Hagadone Event Center paid tribute to Hagadone Communications' longest-running employees from Idaho, Washington and Montana. Attendees were treated to lunch, prizes and praise.

Among those recognized were Press Sports Editor Mark Nelke, 44 years; Daily Bee Managing Editor Caroline Lobsinger, 39 years; Sheri Jones, Hagadone Media Group finance and operations director for Idaho and Washington properties, 30 years; Becky Lee of Hagadone Media and Creative, 29 years; and Ben Norwood of Quicksilver Studios, 25 years.

"You've got another 44 in you," Clint Schroeder, president and corporate publisher of Hagadone Communications and the Hagadone Newspaper and Media Groups, told Nelke as the crowd laughed.

Employees came from several divisions, including Blue 541, the Bonner County Daily Bee, The Coeur d'Alene Press/Post Falls Press, Columbia Basin Publishing, Hagadone Hawaii, Hagadone Media and Creative, Quicksilver Studios and Hagadone Montana Publishing.

Hagadone Communications includes a number of publications, including the Shoshone News-Press, Columbia Basin Herald, Bonners Ferry Herald, North Idaho Business Journal, Basin Business Journal, Daily Inter Lake, Western News, Whitefish Pilot, Lake County Leader, Clark Fork Valley Press, Mineral Independent, Hungry Horse News and Bigfork Eagle.

Twenty-seven employees have more than 20 years of service, and nine have been with the company for at least 30 years.

Hagadone said he was "super proud" of each team member and their service to their communities through quality journalism.

"You guys deserve a lot of respect," he said.

Schroeder said the company is prepared to meet the challenges ahead. He noted that Hagadone Communications has diversified its operations while adapting, expanding and integrating new systems, services and products to improve efficiency.

As examples, he pointed to the company's printing partnership with The Spokesman-Review, which began last year, and the acquisition of Sandpoint Magazine earlier this year.

"These changes make us more efficient, stronger, faster and better," he said.

Schroeder, who has been with the company for 16 years, said the role of community journalism has never been more important. Reporters monitor government, cover high school sports, investigate environmental issues and keep readers informed about matters that affect their daily lives.

He noted that a free press is protected by the Constitution.

"We believe in what we do," he said.

Schroeder said the company works hard to foster a positive culture and rewarding work environment and strives to improve every day. He thanked employees for their dedication and commitment.

"I am so proud of the work that we do," he said. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you every day."

Hagadone said the company's future remains bright.

"We're going to keep giving it our all," he said.

    Employees with Hagadone Communications more than 15 years gather for a photo during the After 5 luncheon on Wednesday. Back row, from left, Kattie George, Mark Nelke, Bob Richardson, Caroline Lobsinger, David Leeth, Joel Martin, Mike Mortimer, Morgan Phillips, Becky Lee, Brad Oliver, Chris Johnson, Jason Elliott, Dave Koller and Sam Olson. Front row from left, Angie High, Kari Packer, Sheri Jones, Clint Schroeder, Alan Rush, Madison Rush, Brandon Stotz, Ben Norwood and Glen Christmann.
  

    Press Sports Editor Mark Nelke offers a few comments during the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.
  

    McKenna Parrish smiles during the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.
  

    Angie High, left, Crystal Traver, center, and Angela Minehart enjoy the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.
  

    Alan Rush offers a thumbs up during the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.
  

    Crystal Traver and Clint Schroeder share a hug during the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.
  

    Shaila Maciosek listens to a speaker during the Hagadone Communications After 5 luncheon at the Hagadone Event Center on Wednesday.