Progress 2016, a joint publication of The Herald, The Charlotte Gazette and The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch, will publish in Friday’s Herald, highlighting the contributions of people, organizations and businesses across the Heart of Virginia.

The full-color publication will be inserted in all three newspapers, reaching more than 20,000 readers. This year’s theme is “25 Reasons We Love the Heart of Virginia.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our inaugural Progress edition,” said Publisher Steve Stewart. “Our newspapers are blessed to serve a fine region with outstanding communities and people. Progress will be our annual opportunity to give back and chronicle the many people and institutions who make the Heart of Virginia a terrific place to live and do business.”

The 36-page publication includes stories of history, culture, people and places of Prince Edward, Lunenburg, Farmville, Cumberland, Charlotte and Buckingham counties.

“This annual publication is dedicated to highlighting the many positive aspects of our communities and our neighbors, friends and colleagues,” said Herald Managing Editor Jordan Miles. “This is an exciting time, not only for The Herald, but also for the counties and communities we serve. From the recreational offerings of the James River to the innovative farm program at Randolph-Henry High School, Progress highlights the positive aspects of our communities, which are many.”

Miles credited the successful publication of the months-long project to the reporters, designers, advertising staff and others who worked to make the idea reality.

“The hard-working staff of our newspapers are the ones who deserve 100 percent of the credit owed to this project,” Miles said. “Because these talented folks live in our community, they know the needs and wants of each county and town, which directly led to the success of Progress.”

Planning for the publication began last fall. Stewart credited the dozens of area businesses that purchased advertising space for making Progress possible. “They are the lifeblood not only of our newspaper but of our region’s economy,” he said.