Elmer L. Andersen founded ECM Publishers in 1976. It is a publishing, printing and distribution company that operates in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The company expanded from one paid circulation weekly newspaper and shopper to operation of 24 publications. Its market includes more than 365,000 homes throughout 8,000 square miles. ECM Publishers publications include Anoka County Shopper, Anoka County Union, Coon Rapids Herald, Dairyland Peach, Dakota County Tribune, Forest Lake Times, Morrison County Record, Star News and Town & Country Shopper.