A story appearing in local newspapers a few days before the meeting may help increase attendance. Most local editors are glad to get news of this kind, especially if it is well written and contains such items as date, place, and time. Names of retiring directors, nominees, speakers, and special items of interest help to build a good release.

Many associations have their meetings mentioned in local papers as many as three times before the actual day. The first mention is a natural result of the directors setting the date and place of the meeting. The second can be centered on the announcement of the principal speaker. The third gives more details a day or two before the meeting.

An advertisement in the local paper may be beneficial in other ways. For example, it demonstrates the cooperative's support of other local enterprises.