The Van Buren Reminder & Owner, Pam Harris are retiring.
After more than 34 years in business, the time has come for Van Buren Reminder to begin a new chapter. Pam Harris and the Van Buren Reminder are officially retiring, and while this moment is bittersweet, it is filled with gratitude, pride, and deep appreciation for the communities that made this journey so meaningful.
The Van Buren County Advertiser (in Gobles) was proudly purchased from Harold Burleson in 1991. Then I purchased the Van Buren Reminder January 5th, 2014 from Rick Owen, and from that moment forward, it became far more than just a business. It became a place of connection, storytelling, trust, and lifelong relationships. What started as a commitment to serve the communities grew into decades of shared milestones, conversations, laughter, challenges, and successes.
Over the last 34 years, I have had the privilege of working with incredible people — not just customers, but lasting friends. Friendships were built across counters, over phone
calls, through deadlines, celebrations, and even difficult times. Those relationships are what truly defined the Van Buren Reminder. The loyalty, support, and kindness shown to us through the years is something I will always carry with me.
This retirement is not just the closing of a business chapter — it is the celebration of a lifetime of dedication, service, and community involvement. I have poured my heart into this business every single day, and it shows in the relationships formed and the respect earned throughout the years. The Van Buren Reminder has been honored to serve Van Buren and the surrounding communities for more than three decades.
As I step into retirement, I do so with full hearts and end less gratitude. Thank you to every customer, advertiser, reader,colleague, and friend who supported us along the way. Thank you for trusting me, growing with me, and becoming part of my story.
While this chapter comes to a close, the memories, friendships, and impact will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for the journey and for each and every person who made the last 34 years so special.
With sincere thanks and appreciation,
Pam Harris
Van Buren Reminder
Final Issue.
Special thanks to the following businesses Walt Sicard ( Walt Sicard Car Company), Rusty McFadden (McFadden Friendly Motors), Steve Murk ( Village Market), Doug Cook & Scott Onkan (Country House) for believing in me. To all the sponsors for supporting the sports pages Bloomingdale Schools, Gobles Schools, Bangor Schools and Covert Schools, Thank you for making my visions come true. This has been a difficult decision to make, and I would
like to thank my Family & Friends for all the support they have given me. Thank you to my amazing current staff, Katherine Goodrode, Celinda Snow, Lesley Forest, Lori Alexander, Matt & Becky Perkins and the drivers for all your hard work over these years.
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Remember To Say I Saw It In The Van Buren Reminder!
The deadline to place your ads in the Van Buren Reminder has changed.
Our new deadline is Thursdays at Noon the week prior to publication.
Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for customers requiring a proof.
Van Buren Reminder • P.O. Box 218 • Bangor, MI 49013 • PHONE: (269) 427-7474 • FAX: (269) 427-5286
Business Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday 9 AM to 4 PM • Closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday