It’s been another interesting year for us at Westchester Magazine. We have been through a lot. Despite the not-so-rosy economic times (still, I see signs of recovery), we have found ways to expand our company and move it forward. And we’ve done it with the same staff—the same team of editors, art directors, production group, advertising sales reps, circulation crew, marketing crew, etc.
I consider myself fortunate. This is my 11th year publishing Westchester Magazine—and, of course, I couldn’t do it without the hard work and great talent of the staff. I know that I don’t let the staff know often enough how much I appreciate their hard work and dedication. Like too many bosses, I am remiss. My New Year’s resolution: to better and more frequently show my deep, deep appreciation.
So, what did we do in 2011 to make it a good year for the company? In the fourth quarter of 2010, we proudly launched 914INC., our sophisticated and info-packed business lifestyle quarterly; in 2011, we put out four terrific issues. We also continued to publish Westchester Home, our beautiful and stylish quarterly shelter magazine. And, we also managed to put out our annual Westchester Weddings issue. That makes 21(!) publications in 2011. Wow!
In addition to all that, today we have the challenge of growing our website, westchestermagazine.com—and again, we are doing it with the same hard-working, dedicated staff. We have five e-newsletters that we send out each week to thousands of readers. We have entered the “daily deal” business with our own Westchester Magazine “Deal of the Day.” (To sign up for our newsletters, visit westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/Newsletters, and, to get our Deal of the Day sent directly to your e-mail, go to deals.westchestermagazine.com.) We have blogs, original content, restaurant listings, a shopping directory, a comprehensive calendar of events, and so much more on our site. This month, our editors are offering “30 Days of Holiday Recipes” on our site—a recipe a day.
And, over the past year, we have thrown so many parties, hosted so many events—and also held our first business seminar—that the mind almost reels with all that’s going on. Over the last 12 months, we threw a launch party for 914INC., hosted out first social media panel breakfast which was filled to capacity and are planning a series of business seminars in 2012, hosted an event to honor 914INC.’s “Wunderkinds,” organized our first Wine & Food Weekend, threw our 10th annual Best of Westchester party, and offered our annual bridal event, Unveiled. We are now busy finalizing a Women in Business Luncheon, scheduled for December 8 at the Crowne Plaza (for more info: westchestermagazine.com/
womeninbusiness), as well as working on our first Westchester Home Design Awards, which will be held at ArtsWestchester in White Plains on January 26. That’s nine events, almost one a month, and we’re planning to add a few more in 2012. Oh yes, and I forgot our 10th event in the works. We are moving to Rye—and, since we know we’re good at throwing parties, we thought we would also make our move an event; when our new building is completed, we will celebrate it with you. You can follow our progress on westchester magazine.com/newoffice.
One more thing: we have a new corporate name, Today Media, which officially ties Westchester Magazine with our sister magazines: Hudson Valley (serving the Hudson River Valley region), Delaware Today (serving the state of Delaware), and Main Line Today (serving the suburbs of western Philadelphia).
A busy year. But we’re never too busy to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season.
—Ralph A. Martinelli
Publisher
