By Becky Jane Newbold, Publisher

Was it really just one year ago we added Validity to our lives?

Dreaming, scheming and making a plan for a regional publication had been part of my life for a couple of years.  Yet it took a childhood friend making a simple statement to set the wheels in motion.

Validity magazine’s October issue celebrates one year in publication.

“You cannot build a reputation on something you intended to do,” Chester Darden simply said during a lunch time speech.  If his goal was to inspire, it worked.  As the weight of the words settled, it became apparent, therein was my answer.

While I had no need to build a reputation for myself, introducing people in neighboring communities to one other–people who shared so much in common, yet barely knew each other–was on my radar.  My intentions were far short of my actions, that much was clear.  It was time to work the plan.

A decision to walk away from my position with our local weekly newspaper was a struggle.  You see, my parents purchased it in 1956 and I was born with ink “in my blood.”  A secure income was traded for a dream at a time when most accountants might have suggested the very idea was grounds for psychotherapy.  But mine did not.  With his encouragement and, more importantly, the support of my best friend and husband, Shane, Validity was born.

As we stepped out in faith an uncomplicated mission lay ahead:  To introduce one community to another, while concurrently highlighting cool people doing cool things.

Analyzing the map, then driving north, south, east and west, we met a truly remarkable new set of friends.  Our hunch was correct.   From Williamson County to Wayne, each community along Nashville’s Trace desires to generate sustainable jobs, to create a great place to live and raise a family and to discover ways to increase quality of life.

With everyone working toward the same goals, it just makes sense we should meet, learn from one another and unite in supporting our neighbors just a few counties away through friendship and commerce.

Incredible advertising support and an ever increasing readership in Nashville’s Trace communities contributes to the success of Validity’s first year in publication.

Within each issue of Validity, you will see this mission unfold.  As our friend, Nicole Lewis suggested, “We Are One” is an appropriate descriptor for our one year anniversary issue. Together we are one and together we are strong.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate one year of Validity.  Many thanks to our advertisers, contributing writers and photographers.  You believed in us and we are grateful.

Show your support of Validity’s mission by reaching out to your neighbors to build a regional powerhouse “community.”  As often as possible, spend money with our advertisers.  They trust us to get their message to you.  By doing so, they keep Validity in your hands each month.

Let us all work to build, not tear down.  In the words of lyricist Johnny Mercer, “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.”  South central Tennessee is an amazing place inhabited by creative and innovative people.

As a region united we are valid, authentic and relevant.