From left, Ashley Webster Rudolph, Pacific Publishing Group Publisher Gordie Webster and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer display a proclamation declaring Aug. 3, 2026, as Pacific Publishing Group Day in recognition of the company’s 140-year history. Photo by Frank Lopez.

published on August 3, 2026 – 3:30 PM
Written by Ben Hensley

Pacific Publishing Group received a special honor Monday as the City of Fresno officially proclaimed Aug. 3, 2026, as Pacific Publishing Group Day, recognizing the company’s 140-year history in the community.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer presented the proclamation during Monday’s Rotary Club of Fresno meeting, highlighting the company’s beginnings in 1886 and tracing its evolution through five generations of family ownership, including the launch of The Business Journal.

“This is one of the longest standing, if not the longest standing, family-owned organizations within our community,” Dyer said before reading the proclamation.

Dyer noted Pacific Publishing’s growth from a small publication, purchased by Morris Shelby Webster for $180 in 1888, into a diversified media and events company serving the Central Valley.

The proclamation also recognized the role of current publisher Gordie Webster, as well as the transition toward fifth-generation leadership under Ashley Webster Rudolph.

“Reaching 140 years in business is a rare milestone, one that reflects not only longevity, but the enduring trust of readers, advertisers, partners and the community,” Dyer said.

The proclamation concluded with Dyer formally declaring Aug. 3, 2026, as Pacific Publishing Group Day in the city of Fresno.

After accepting the recognition, Webster credited the company’s success to generations of employees and leaders who helped build the organization.

“So much credit goes to the former publishers, my great-grandfather, grandfather and my father,” Webster said. “But it’s all about our employees over all those years. It’s all about them and what we’ve created thus far.”

Webster added that the recognition held special significance for the family-owned company.

“So I’m very, very proud to receive this from the mayor,” he said. “This is pretty special for us.”