Sound Publishing, Washington’s largest publisher of community newspapers and NCW Media Inc. of Leavenworth, the largest publisher of community newspapers and specialty publications in North Central Washington have agreed to a strategic realignment of their individual newspaper holdings. Under the deal, which is effective Aug. 1, 2011, Sound will assume ownership of the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune and NCW will take ownership of the Wenatchee Business Journal in Wenatchee.

“Sound Publishing Inc. is pleased to be able to acquire the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune, a strong award-winning newspaper. Sound will endeavor to continue the tradition of exceptional newspaper stewardship as exemplified by NCW Media Inc.,” said Josh O’Connor, Vice President of East Sound Newspaper Operations.

Sound Publishing Inc. prints 32 community newspapers covering western Washington and Northern Oregon. Together with their network partners Sound reaches over 2.2 million readers in Washington and Oregon.

NCW Media, founded in 2000, is owned locally by Bill and Carol Forhan of Leavenworth, Jeff and Audrey Walter of Brewster and Jeff and Liz Gauger of North Canton, Ohio. NCW Media also owns the Leavenworth Echo, Cashmere Valley Record, Lake Chelan Mirror and the Quad City Herald in Brewster. In addition to those community newspapers the company publishes Sonnenschein auf Leavenworth, The Lake Chelan Summer Magazine and NCW Winter Recreation visitor guides and the NCW Bargain Hunters Guide, a regional classified advertising publication.

“NCW Media looks forward to the opportunity to continue the proud tradition of local business news that has been the hallmark of the Wenatchee Business Journal under Sound Publishing’s leadership,” said Bill Forhan, Chief Business Officer of NCW Media Inc.

“NCW Media also looks forward to its continued partnership with the Sound network of community newspapers,” said Forhan.