ABOUT US

History & Mission

The warm breeze from the Chesapeake Bay flows gently over some of the most beautiful shorelines in Eastern Baltimore County. The area is noted for boating and the most delicious crab cakes in the United States. This is home to the East County Times located in Essex, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, Maryland.

The East County Times evolved from the long standing Essex Times in late 1998.  The purpose of the name change was to broaden the publication's appeal and attract a wider range of advertisers.

The forerunner Essex Times was established in 1962 and for 20 years was the voice of the community, providing a weekly broadsheet of timely, local news.  After changing owners and target area, the paper was absorbed by Times Herald, Inc. and the name became dormant for several years.

In October 1995, owners of the Lutherville-based Times Herald reactivated the paper with its own office and Essex-based staff. Starting as a biweekly tabloid, the paper was able to begin weekly publication by December. In March 1996, local businessman George Wilbanks bought the paper. All staff members, many of whom have worked for local newspapers for 20+ years, have deep roots in the community and are proud of its history and accomplishments.

"We are committed to providing timely, accurate nonpartisan news as a service to both our readers and advertisers," says Publisher George Wilbanks.  In addition to local news and features, East County Times provides a weekly editorial column, police report, church, senior, business, school, entertainment and sports news.  Readers are urged to submit letters to the editor and photos of family celebrations.

Supplements focusing on Home Improvement, Automotive and other specialized areas are published as inserts several times a year.  Classified ads offer readers a convenient way to both shop and sell goods and services.

In November 2006, the East County Times went digital by creating its own web site. This bold move opens doors for both our readers and advertisers, especially those who don't receive the paper on a regular basis. 

Demographics

The circulation area of East County Times is comprised of Essex, Middle River, Chase, Rosedale, White Marsh, Perry Hall, Edgemere, and Dundalk. The population we serve is over 250,000, which is almost 25% of the entire county population. 

The Eastern sector of Baltimore County has a large labor force with household income averaging about $72,800 per year. Median income is expected to increase in the next few years with new jobs created by the opening of 1,000 acres of industrially zoned land through the extension of Maryland Route 43.

The majority of residents in Eastern Baltimore County are between 25 and 45 years of age but there is a large senior citizen population. Studies indicate these citizens have a greater-than-average percentage of disposable income and more money in savings accounts than comparable groups in other parts of Baltimore County.

Younger families are being encouraged to purchase homes in the area through government incentive programs which provide help with settlement costs.

Conditions

• The East County Times reserves the right to revise, reject, or edit advertising copy that may be objectionable under state or federal laws, or that is deemed undesirable by the publisher.

• The East County Times reserves the right to insert above or below advertising copy the word "Advertisement."

• The East County Times shall not be liable for its failure and cause, to insert an advertisement. Liability for an error in any advertisement shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error.

• Rates may be revised upon thirty days notice, however, conditions are subject to change by the East County Times without notice.

• 15% commission to recognized advertising agencies that provide camera-ready copy for display advertising or preprints.

• Payment Terms: Net within thirty days following publication. Charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) on billing over 30 days past due.

• Advertising composed and canceled prior to publication will be charged to the advertiser at an amount to cover production cost of the advertisement.

• The Company shall not be liable for failure to distribute its circulation in whole or in part because of a strike, or natural forces such as rain, wind, sleet, snow, or act of God.

 

Mailing address:

East County Times
513 Eastern Blvd
Essex, Md 21221