The good news: We're still kickin'

The company president (me) invited the company president’s wife (Deb) to the Just Wright Citrus LLC annual meeting this week at Oscar Penn’s in Inverness.

Last year’s inaugural annual meeting was delightful. We celebrated a full year in business, quite the accomplishment for an old newshound who had always worked for someone else.

This week we covered a wide range of delicacies, um, I mean agenda topics.

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Here’s the 2023 Just Wright Citrus annual report:

— Overall: How’d we do in 2023?

Great! The blog published each day it was scheduled to, and interest continues to grow.

Success in 2023 is defined simply: We’re still kickin’.

I wasn’t sure what the odd-numbered year would bring. Our inaugural year was an election season, and there was plenty to hang blog topics on. The question centered in 2023: Would Just Wright Citrus continue to grow despite it being a political off-year?

Turns out…yes!

— Goals: Did we meet or exceed them? Yes, and sorta yes.

I wanted Just Wright Citrus to participate in the community in 2023 and not just write about it. There was some of that … we contributed to fundraisers for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County and the Academy of Environmental Sciences.

Of course, the Just Wright Citrus T-shirt debuted, and I’m grateful for anyone who has one and wears it proudly. (Coming in 2024…the “W” logo sticker. By year’s end they’ll be plastered on the rear bumpers of vehicles throughout this county. Just watch.)

(Or not.)

The biggest event was Mike’s 65th and Bluegrass open house in the yard of the former Just Wright Citrus World Headquarters on the shores of Big Lake Henderson. Through the sales of T-shirts and donations, Club Recovery of Citrus County netted over $2,000 toward its goal of finding a new home.

In 2024, I’d like to see my logo associated with more community events. If I’m not giving back, something isn’t working right on my end.

Interest in the blog grows daily. We surpassed 4,800 Facebook followers this week and are on our way to 4,900. Plus, we have dozens of regulars who don’t “follow” the page, but are regular contributors.

— Ethics: Are we transparent? Yes, but it’s a work in progress.

No one has an online enterprise like this in Citrus County. There is no model to go by. I have a singular duty — write daily blogs that generate civil discourse, for the betterment of my community. That’s Just Wright Citrus’ sole reason for existence.

I’m also out here on my own. While I talk with a variety of people on any given day, and those conversations help shape my own thoughts later that night, it’s still my deal alone. Sometimes, there’s a lot to juggle. 

So, transparency is somewhat fluid. If you have a question, please ask.

— Website/Facebook: Are we satisfied with the formats? Absolutely.

I’m a fairly simple person, and two then-Lecanto High School seniors designed my website for simplicity. It was their brilliant suggestion that I add a Facebook link with each blog to direct reader participation.

That’s worked rather well. The blogs are fun, but it’s the conversation that captures my interest. Facebook says I’m a “rising creator,” and keeps sending me attaboys. I kid you not.

If anything, we’re going to add more fun stuff to the Facebook page in 2024, including — are you ready for it? — the 60-second selfie video.

(I take no responsibility if a crude early attempt of this idea ends up in your Facebook feed sometime before Christmas. Just sayin'.)

— Year 3: Attitude of confidence

Year 1 was a thrill, and in Year 2 we trudged forward. Now we’re into Year 3, another election season, and Just Wright Citrus is established as the singular place in Citrus County to have decent debate on local issues without it getting ugly.

Elections provide the best chance for community conversations about the stuff that matters. Right now, a lot of stuff matters big time. We’ll continue to lead those conversations here.

After only two years in existence, Just Wright Citrus is a household name to Citrus County residents. The other night during the company meeting we sat near a nice couple. The husband remarked that he’s a loyal reader, and he thanked me for what I do.

I mean…how the heck does that happen to a guy like me? All I can say is, I’m living the dream, writing about the community I love, and sharing that with so many others who love our community as well. Differing opinions offered in a respectful manner are healthy in a strong Citrus County.

We get to do that here. You and me. 

A sincere thanks to readers, advertising sponsors, political leaders, and detractors for making 2023 a Just Wright Citrus success.

Let’s charge onward to 2024.

P.S. We’re taking the government Christmas schedule, so no blog Friday or Monday. Have an exceptional holiday weekend, friends.

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