Who We Are

For more than 20 years, The Kawartha Promoter is proud to be a partner in our communities and is one of the few remaining independently owned and operated community newspapers.

Founded in 1991 by Rose Anne Kulmala, as The Bobcaygeon Promoter, today’s The Kawartha Promoter continues to be a source of information about what is happening in our communities; local and wide-spread issues; local business initiatives; coming events; local politics and what is going on at City Hall; and much, much more.

Our success can be attributed to the fact that we have a loyal, ever-increasing readership who look forward to The Kawartha Promoter’s FREE biweekly publication. The Kawartha Promoter is invested in the continuing success of our community, highlighting local businesses and partnering with local service groups and community organizations to provide promotional coverage and sponsorship. 

Because The Kawartha Promoter is published in magazine format, it is read from cover to cover, then passed along to family members and friends, and held on to (even collected) – delivering maximum impact and value for our advertisers. 

The Kawartha Promoter serves communities throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and Trent Lakes. It is delivered by Canada Post to homes in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Subscriptions are also available to seasonal residents and people who have moved out of the area.

With a circulation of 40,000, which statistically amounts to a readership of 100,000 plus people who read The Kawartha Promoter every two weeks. 

We’re proud of our commitment to surrounding communities with the publication of the Explore family of tourist guides. Click on the Tourism tab to see more.

The Kawartha Promoter is one of a family of publications artfully designed and produced by Design One. The family includes the Explore tourist guides for Bobcaygeon, Buckhorn, Coboconk, Norland & District and Fenelon Falls & District. Design One also offers a wide range of print services, including business cards, brochures, posters, menus and more.

The first issue of The Kawartha Promoter was published on March 15, 1991.

Originally called ‘The Bobcaygeon Promoter’, as the name implies, it was intended as a vehicle for promoting local events and businesses in Bobcaygeon. Rose Anne Kulmala, the driving force behind the paper and its sole owner and editor for well over a decade, was known for her tenacity and her passion for her community; qualities which continue to be reflected in the pages of The Kawartha Promoter.

“The truth is not always popular, but I believe it is responsible for our growth,” was Rose’s motto.

In 2003, Max Miller purchased The Kawartha Promoter, while Rose Anne remained at its helm as Editor to ensure that The Kawartha Promoter continued her legacy. Max had been a part of The Kawartha Promoter family on and off for years as a freelance designer and stepped into her role as Publisher easily.

A graduate of the prestigious Ontario College of Art, Max brought her design skills and experience to The Kawartha Promoter. Her career in design included McLaren Advertising, and a coveted position with Art and Design Studios (ADS, one of the top design studios in Canada in its time). In 2009, she received the prestigious Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award for her continuing devotion local businesses, service groups and community events throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and surrounding areas. Max has served on a number of committees for not-for-profit organizations, including the Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative and the Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, Rose Anne lost a hard-fought battle to cancer in 2007, but today, with expansion of distribution and a dedicated team, The Kawartha Promoter continues to serve communities throughout the Kawarthas.