Back in the early days of printing, newspapers were “set” by hand and pages were printed one sheet at a time with a press that transferred ink from a typecase to the large piece of paper.

That’s how it was done in May 1798 when the earliest editions of what is today the Georgetown Times were printed.

Today, as with many other papers around the country we use computerized technology, computer-to-plate printing, high speed presses and more.

All of our news staff members and marketing representatives use smartphones, and we are among the leaders in the Evening Post Publishing Company media family on the Internet and with Facebook.

Next Thursday, Sept. 27, there will be two free 60-minute sessions about using new technology to market your business.

Many of our Facebook and Web site readers use their computers, notepads, tablets and smartphones to keep up with local happenings.

Jay Small of Informed Interactive has helped Georgetown Communications and our three papers — Georgetown Times, Waccamaw Times and Inlet Outlook — to more effectively use these types of media.

His presentation is called “Seven Mistakes You Are Probably Making in Interactive Marketing (And How to Fix Them Now)” and is free.

The discussion will be at the Hampton Inn at 150 Willbrook Boulevard in Pawleys Island.

There is no charge for this session, but space is limited.

Send an e-mail to Times publisher John Carr to let him know you’d like a spot, either in the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. session.

His e-mail address is jcarr@gtowntimes.com.

Small will lead an exciting discussion sharing his 17 years’ experience in interactive media enterprises.

The growth in smartphone use, mapping  locations, finding information and more is phenomenal. He will share some of the statistics and let you know ways to use the technology to benefit your business.

Over the next several months the Georgetown Times papers will be changing some of our production methods to use similar technologies, all to improve our reach and our service to the market.

While we’re doing that, we’ll pay close attention to traditional core values of timeliness, fairness and objectivity. We’ll concentrate on local news and events, but expand our use of technology to deliver information to our readers, both in print and online.

Thursday’s free sessions will help business leaders do the same sort of things for economic growth.

Tommy Howard is editor of the Georgetown Times and its companion papers.