Organization and Governance
UMR Communications is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) ministry, financially independent, deriving our income from fees paid by clients for services, along with grants and bequests from donors. While we have strong connections to the United Methodist Church, we are an independent organization and receive no financial support from the church. 

We are governed by a self-sustaining Board of Directors and day-to-day operations are guided by our President and CEO.

History
The historical roots of UMR Communications are inseparably entwined with The United Methodist Reporter, and trace back to 1847. Ours has always been a ministry of communication. Our focus and mission have evolved over the years, especially with the technological revolution that has so dramatically changed the communications industry in the past few years. For an excellent review of our history, see the article posted on the Texas State Historical Association website: 

Covenant Relationship
UMR Communications is related by covenant to seven United Methodist Annual Conferences: Central Texas, New Mexico, North Texas, Texas, Northwest Texas, Rio Grande (a Spanish-language conference) and Southwest Texas. This covenantal relationship, similar to that of church-founded hospitals and homes, acknowledges the previous ownership of the organization by these annual conferences and its United Methodist heritage. 

Motto
Our motto is: “Transformation through Communication.”  Our primary constituency is the United Methodist Church whose mission is “To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” At the heart of our work is the belief that effective communication is one of the tools God has given us to achieve that goal.

Vision
Our vision is to be the premier provider of communication services to congregations, conferences, boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church, and to be just as committed and effective in serving other nonprofit clients.

Mission
Our mission is to advance the story of God’s transformational work in the life of the Church, and do so through print and electronic communications, as well as distribution and fulfillment services. (For more information about our variety of services, please visit our corporate website.)

Values
•     We draw on our Christian faith for wisdom, insight, discernment, guidance and direction in our daily activities in support of ministry.
•     We seek new ways to support and serve the United Methodist Church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
•     We are an independent voice within the United Methodist Church reporting news, providing interesting and informative features, and commenting on issues with fairness and civility.
•     We consider our customers as partners in mission.
•     We insist on quality work delivered on time, integrity in our dealings with each other and our customers, tolerance, mutual respect, constructive examination and continual improvement.