'We're truly fortunate to have someone living and working right here who can step up to this kind of lead role,' said Kelly Luvison, GateHouse Media Executive Vice President.

'This kind of local connection is key to our expansion in Wayne County, not to mention a great opportunity for a proven manager from within our own ranks.'

GateHouse Media Inc., parent company of Messenger Post Media and AdNet Direct Printing, announced the acquisition of Ad Group WC Inc., from John Van Dusen of Newark two weeks ago.

Ad Group includes the weekly Courier-Gazette newspaper, the Newark Pennysaver, Sodus-Williamson Pennysaver and Lyons-Clyde Savannah Shopping Guide.

GateHouse also operates The Timesaver and the Courier-Journal in Palmyra, in addition to the 21 Messenger Post Media publications in Monroe and Ontario counties.

In all, the company publishes more than 50 titles from multiple production facilities across central and western New York.

Klemann said, 'I'm excited to have the opportunity to work more closely with the people of Ad Group. I already know many of the employees. As being publishing neighbors, we have worked together and cooperatively for many years. It is a solid company with some very good and dedicated people.'

His role of publisher, he said, will include building on the strengths and qualities of the publications that already exist, while providing fresh marketing and promotional opportunities for existing customers and making sure readers are satisfied as well.

'Our customers can expect to deal with the same talented Ad Group staff as always,' he said. 'Yet, at the same time, we will have the benefit of improved resources and advertising opportunities that are shared with our neighboring Messenger Post Media and the hundreds of newspapers within the GateHouse family.'

Klemann has been in advertising for over 30 years, rising through the ranks as a sales rep, sales manager, and then division manager, for what was first Timesaver Advertising, then Adnet Community News and now as Messenger Post Media.

'Tom's appointment as publisher really puts the icing on our Ad Group acquisition,' Luvison said. 'The combination of his industry experience, reputation and local market knowledge makes this a perfect fit.'

Klemann, too, sees the expansion as a win-win situation for everyone.

'It gives us the opportunity to expand our circulation in the Wayne County and Rochester area markets with quality and respected publications and it gives Ad Group the advantage of many more resources through GateHouse Media,' he said.

Klemann, born and raised in Clifton Springs, graduated from Alfred State College. He has been involved with Canaltown Days in Palmyra for over 30 years, 15 of which he has served as its general chairman. He and his wife Deb are the parents of the late David Klemann, and their daughter, Jill, 27, who lives in San Diego, California.