About Us
The History of the Senior Resources Directory
by Sunny Aasgaard
The idea and general format of the Directory came from my college buddy, Chappy. We both attended GSU and she moved to Oregon over 20 years ago. In the spring of 2001, she sent me what she was doing and said that, if I wanted to bring it to Atlanta, she'd help me. She told me how important the directories were and how grateful people are for them ~ what a good thing I'd be doing. Well, her little book sat on my desk for almost a year. After all, since I knew absolutely nothing about the senior market, I didn't pay it much attention.
On February 1st, 2002, I made some exploratory phone calls and heard how needed this service really was. I then spent the next two weeks performing extensive research, having meetings with organizations that were senior-focused, such as the ARC and Senior Connections, and interviewing seniors themselves. (One can learn a LOT from those who have been around longer.)
I knew my past experience would serve me well and I decided to give it a shot. After all, it was just a little book. I had certainly done far larger projects. What I didn't realize was what a mountainous task it would be ... and that was for only one book! SO much research. SO many details. (Read The Process below.)
I picked every inch of Chappy's brain and followed her advice to a Tee. After all, she had a working model for 5 years. Since I knew nothing of the senior market, my learning curve was quite steep. "Tell me again ... what is the difference between 'respite' and 'hospice'? Where do I FIND all of this information? I have to call every single one of these places and talk with a what?"
To my great surprise, the first book (DeKalb County) was an instant hit. Due to the great demand, we now have 5 editions covering 12 Metro Atlanta counties.
Today, hundreds of thousands of Atlantans depend upon this important community service.
It really is all about helping others.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The Prime Directive of the Senior Resources Directory is to be helpful to the USERS of the Directory.
THE USERS/FANS
About half the calls we get are from the children and families of seniors. The other half is divided between seniors and those who serve seniors. Roughly 75% of those who use the Directory are under 65. (Read some Testimonials.)
THE PROCESS
Attention to detail, no excuses, on every level:
Research ~ We hunt for as many independent, governmental and regulatory sources as we can find, cross-referencing the data and collecting it onto spreadsheets for verification.
Fact Checking ~ We make thousands of calls every year, verifying every single listing of every single edition.
Ad Creation ~ We offer highly qualified creative assistance to those sponsors who wish it. We not only assist with the "look" of an ad, but we help "think" it. An ad is only good if it solicits enough interest for a response.
Production ~ Each page of each edition is meticulously laid out, with easy readership and simple navigation in mind.
Proofing ~ Hundreds more hours are spent proofing each letter, word, comma, code on each page of each edition.
Paper Selection ~ The shiny, thin paper most often used in publications is fairly inexpensive, compared to what we use. We could get by with this, but instead, we pay extra to have a #1 grade, 60-lb., coated, matte enamel ~ #1 for whiteness; 60-lb. for easier page turning; clay coated so the ink stands up, which gives the densest colors and sharpest results; and, matte, so the page doesn't reflect and is easier on the eyes.
Printing ~ So the books have the best "feel" and can stand up under a lot of usage over a year's period, we go to the added expense of having separate, thicker covers. Most magazines have a "self-cover", which is economical because it is a one-step process where the cover is made of the same paper as the test pages. (Magazines aren't as sturdy as the Directory, but they don't have to be.) We pay for a two-step printing and bindery process. We run the test pages on a 150-line hot web press and the covers on a 300-line sheet-fed press and bind them together. Pre-press and both kinds of presses all use the latest technology.
Distribution ~ We know of no other publication that calls each one of its distribution points and makes them promise to put the publication to good use. We do this so the books won't be wasted. They are way too expensive and way too valuable to be stuck in a closet. If we find that this has been done, the next supply will be much smaller.
Contact Us
For information on how to become a Sponsor:
AdSupport@SeniorResourcesDirectory.com
For WebSite Feedback:
Website@SeniorResourcesDirectory.com
Senior Resources Directory
Helping You Help Others™ ~ since 2002
Published by
American Adworks
770-938-0888
Tucker, Georgia 30084
Sunny Aasgaard, CEO
