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209 Multimedia purchases Gustine, Newman newspapers
Duo papers

209 Multimedia Corporation, which owns the Turlock Journal, announced this week the purchase of the Gustine Press Standard and Westside Index newspapers from Mattos Newspapers. The two newspapers, along with their websites and commercial printing operations, expands 209 Multimedia’s holdings from Manteca in San Joaquin County, through Oakdale, Ceres and Turlock in Stanislaus County and now Gustine in Merced County.

“We firmly believe that local community news organizations remain vital to our subscribers as the trusted local source for news and information.  We provide a forum for community discussion, public notices, obituaries, wedding engagements, sporting/community events, service organizations and everything else in-between.  We are committed to fostering that environment while meeting the needs of all of our dedicated advertisers and subscribers,” said Hank Vander Veen, who along with his wife Kelly Vander Veen, own 209 Multimedia.

The Vander Veens have deep roots in the Valley.

Hank Vander Veen has been group publisher of the Manteca, Oakdale, Turlock, and Ceres papers in the Central Valley for almost a decade. Kelly Vander Veen has a background in digital management, commercial printing as well as newspapers.  As owners, they oversee the operations and are responsible for all aspects of the business.  This includes editorial, content, production and financial responsibility for six newspapers, several magazines and a digital services agency.

They are owners of the Manteca/Ripon Bulletin, Turlock Journal, Ceres Courier, Oakdale Leader, Escalon Times and Riverbank News.  They also own and publish 209 Magazine and several other specialty publications.  209 Multimedia publishes websites for all of its publications, has a video production studio and provides digital services for