Albert Lea Tribune’s own Advertising Director Crystal Miller was named one of Editor & Publisher magazine’s 25 Under 35 in 2013.

The feature is in the publication’s April issue and highlights 25 men and women under age 35 in the nation who are “leaving their mark on the business of selling news.”

Miller, who has been with the Tribune since 2002, has focused creating a passionate sales team and helped make the Tribune, its website and its special sections successful. Miller also helped launch Albert Lea Magazine and helped the Tribune’s Progress issue surpass its goal of $100,000 in advertising revenue. The Editor & Publisher feature also highlighted that the 2013 Progress edition brought in more than $111,000.

“I was honored to be named one of the 25,” Miller said. “But the credit is also due to everyone else at the Tribune for their hard work.”

Miller said she’s enjoyed seeing how many of her colleagues across the nation have seen the magazine and emailed her well wishes. Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer said Miller’s honor is well-deserved.

“Her dedication, hard work and customer service are beyond what you wish for in a colleague,” Schmeltzer said. “I admire Crystal for how well she balances both work and family; I am just so happy for her.”

Miller also answered the following questions for the Editor & Publisher feature:

E&P: What advice do you have for other young professionals in the newspaper industry?

Miller: Take the time to listen to individual successes and problems. It helps you to be familiar with customers, any problems your employees are facing, and the direction in which your company is moving.

E&P: What has been one of your most successful sales strategies given the current economic climate?

Miller: Build customer relationships by taking care of the customer, and be involved in their interests and community. There is a very good chance that your competitor is too busy to do this, and it shows the customer that they can trust you.”