DETROIT, Nov. 18 -- Detroit Newspapers announced today the formation of Third Street Publications, a new division of the company that will focus on the creation of new specialty publications. The group will develop and launch a wide variety of publications designed to complement and broaden what readers and advertisers are already offered by Detroit Newspapers. The division's mission is to offer affordable, high- quality products and services to meet the special needs of advertisers and readers in a variety of targeted market segments. Alan Lenhoff, formerly Director of Strategic Planning for Detroit Newspapers, has been named General Manager of Third Street Publications, and will have full responsibility for developing its line of businesses. He will also continue to serve as a member of Detroit Newspapers' executive committee. Earlier, he served as assistant to the CEO of Detroit Newspapers, assistant to the publisher of the Detroit Free Press, and as a reporter and business editor at the Detroit Free Press. He is a graduate of University of Michigan and serves as co-chair of the University's Board for Student Publications. He is married, has two children, and lives in Birmingham. George Willard Jr. has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for the division. In addition to overseeing sales and marketing operations, he will play a key role in helping to identify and develop new business opportunities. Willard joins Detroit Newspapers from Mirror Newspapers, based in Royal Oak, where he has held several senior level positions since 1994, most recently serving as Publisher/General Manager. He is a graduate of University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in management there. He is married, has two children, and lives in Royal Oak. Third Street Publications will work closely with other key divisions at Detroit Newspapers to evaluate market information, research and identify product strategies, formulate sales methodologies and provide custom business solutions. Detroit Newspapers President and CEO Frank Vega said, "It has long been our goal to continually look for new ways to bring marketers and consumers together. This division will be a team ready to respond quickly to market opportunities by providing strategic and affordable solutions to local businesses."