Mark Zusman

The latest movie directed by Ben Affleck, Air, tells the story of how the Beaverton sneaker underdog Nike leapt into a partnership with Michael Jordan in 1984. The picture, which opened to positive reviews from critics including our own, credits the decision to sign Jordan largely to vision of one man: Sonny Vaccaro, the head of Nike Basketball, played by Matt Damon. Meanwhile, Jason Bateman plays Nike’s marketing director, Robert J.

This is Willamette Week’s annual letter to readers. It’s an opportunity to talk about the journalism that drives everyone who works here; to let you know how we’re doing as a business; and to tell you about internal developments in our operation—added causes for optimism. As was the case two years ago, WW’s annual report to readers is one week later than usual.