Author Archives: Dawn Ferencak

Dawn Ferencak likes to go behind the scenes when connecting with her customers to create ways to help make their businesses grow beyond their expectations. What she didn't expect, when she started working for Wednesday Journal Publications, Inc. seven years ago, was how much of a passion she would develop for the communities she serves. Her work has become much more of a way of life than a 9 to 5 job. Dawn takes the time to get to know her clients' businesses from the ground up. She knows how important it is to learn their background; why they started their business; what their goals are; what their challenges are; and what drives them to succeed. This uniquely personal approach builds strong bonds of trust. Her clients know that she always has their best interest in mind and as a result they truly consider her a partner with them in their success. Dawn says that she believes in bringing the best skills, research and products to the table every time she has a chance to help a client. This clarity of focus is one of the reasons she was recently named Sales Representative of the Year by the Illinois Press Association. Since joining the Austin Weekly News team in 2010, Dawn and her son Paxton have immersed themselves in the threads of the West Side community. She has grown personally and professionally thanks to many special friends she's made through her work. To show her commitment to the West Side community and all who have embraced her there, she and her son go Out & About in Austin. These weekly visits to West Side locales showcase residents and businesses through Austin Weekly News and on AustinWeeklyNews.com. Dawn is active in the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Coming Together, Bethel New Life, Westside Ministers Coalition, Garfield Park Little League, Fathers Who Care, West Garfield Park Youth Council, and Westside Providers Network. She wishes to acknowledge just a few of the many people who have helped her to connect with the community: Dan Haley, Terry Dean, Ms. Elaine Sappington, Rev. Lewis Flowers (deceased) , Rev. Walter Jones, State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Dr. Andre Hines and the entire staff of Circle Family Health Care Network, State Rep. Camille Lilly and Alderman Deborah Graham along with their respective staff, the wonderful staff of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Frank Brim, Sara Spoonheim and the staff of Bethel New Life, Darnell Shields, and Kay Leane. When asked what motivates her, Dawn says she enjoys being a servant leader in a community so grounded by faith. That, and she loves making people happy!