Emerging technologies in the news industry are providing opportunities for new products and services to benefit customers.

To take advantage of those opportunities, the Times News has hired a regional advertising director.

Kevin Hardy will oversee print and online advertising initiatives at the Times News and eight weekly newspapers of Lehigh Valley Press, publications independently owned and operated by the Times News LLC of Lehighton.

Hardy, of Nazareth, was hired March 3, replacing Don Reese, Times News ad director, who capped a 44-year career March 21.

The timeframe allowed Hardy to work with Reese for three weeks, helping the transition.

Hardy also will coordinate account and client management activities along with coaching the sales management team.

He said upcoming enhancements will directly benefit customers: "We'll see a large number of new products over the next couple of years and a facelift to print products."

One change, for example, is that sales staff will sell digital products, expanding an avenue of opportunity for Times News and Lehigh Valley Press advertisers.

"It'll help our customers grow their business. That's what we're here to do," said Hardy. "We'll take time to talk to customers and learn about their businesses. It makes us a valuable resource."

Hardy brings more than 25 years of experience to the position.

For the past two years, he served as director, digital media and corporate sales trainer, BH Media Group, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, based in Bristol, Tenn.

There, Hardy marketed online products through print, TV, billboard and search engines.

"My focus was on the digital side of things," he said.

Before that, Hardy spent more than seven years with the Pocono Record daily newspaper, Dow Jones Local Media Group, where he was involved in new business development for print and online products.

In that capacity, he worked alongside Times News Editor Marta Gouger during her career at the Stroudsburg-based newspaper. Gouger joined the Times News staff six months ago.

Hardy is still adjusting to the new environment and becoming acquainted with staff. He said his first few weeks have been a delight and he's excited to tackle challenges ahead. For one, he welcomes the opportunity to work with the strengths of Palmerton-based Pencor Services Inc.

"I look forward to taking advantage of digital resources to put forth some new offerings," Hardy said.

He acknowledges the "great corps of loyal readers" at the Times News and Lehigh Valley Press, including those who support the print edition and the website.

"The web numbers are really strong for a small-town paper," he said.

Hardy also recognizes diverse demographics, including devotion from a great number of younger readers.

"So many folks think young people aren't engaged in newspapers, but that's not accurate."

Hardy is a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School and Millersville University.

He and wife Pamela have two children, a 21-year-old son, Nick, to graduate in July from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a daughter Sarah, 13, who will attend school in Nazareth.

He is a member of the Pocono Family YMCA board and East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church.