July 2013

On The Ball: Fresh Perspectives From Where I Sit.
Welcome to the inaugural blog from Steve Kelly, Associate Publisher at Maine Media Collective. Each month he'll provide you with insight into our products, give you a sneak peek at our editorial, update you on new products, and offer insight on the marketplace.

Peak Season: The July Issues.

July is the month every business in Maine can hardly wait for. The state bursts at the seams with visitors, the opportunity for transacting business dramatically increases, and the weather—well, it's nothing short of perfect. In Maine magazine, our 48HRS column brings us to the coastal towns of Boothbay, Damariscotta, and Old Orchard Beach. We sail the high seas aboard a midcoast schooner, and you'll meet 50 people who have made a difference in Maine. In Maine Home+Design, our editors bring you three beautifully designed coastal homes, as well as a look at the newly expanded Colby Museum, and much more.

Kennebunkport Festival & Maine Home+Design Show

We are less than 30 days away from our annual Kennebunkport Festival (June 4-9). This six-day food and wine event kicks off summer in one of Maine's most picturesque towns. If you haven't been before, you owe it to yourself to carve out a day or two—you won't regret it.

June 29-30 is the annual MH+D Show in stunning Rockport, Maine. The MH+D Show brings together some of the best builders, architects, designers, furniture makers, and artisans that Maine has to offer, and provides you an unparalleled opportunity for networking. Less than a handful of booths remain available. We hope to see you there.

Solutions for your marketing.

While we all look down the road to summer, we at 75 Market St. are also looking a bit further. In December 2012, we produced the Sugarloaf issue in Maine magazine. I'm pleased to announce we'll be producing this issue again in December 2013. And, in the November issue of Maine Home+Design, we're partnering with Sunday River to produce a collaborative issue for the resort, bringing you more Maine skiing and snowboarding this winter.

We're very excited to announce the launch of a new product this summer: 48HRS Maine.
Beginning in the April 2012 issue of Maine magazine, our staff has been venturing to towns across Maine to explore, eat, photograph, and experience what the state has to offer. The department, 48HRS, has become one of the most popular and well-read sections in the magazine. This mini vacation planner has quickly become the go-to-source for our readers to explore the coast. Both out-of-staters and Mainers have written, called, and commented on how valuable they find this narrative for navigation. In August 2013, we'll produce the annual 48HRS Maine guide compiling some of the best of 48HRS as well as some unpublished pieces on towns that haven't made it to our pages. More information to come.

Bright, Getting Brighter.

For the past sixth months, we've seen growth in the market—sustained growth. We've heard from all business types (real estate, builders, retail, artists, and suppliers) that business is great and trending toward amazing. Real estate in Maine has seen notable increases in sales (up 8.34% year over year for March) and median price (up 6.25% year over year for March), and it doesn't appear to be slowing down. (Hat tip to Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty and the Maine Association of Realtors.)

It's incredibly encouraging that we are already seeing increased growth—even before the busiest part of the year for most businesses sets in. With the busy season upon us, now is the time to consider how you are marketing your business and how you can reach more people.

Our team is always available. Call us anytime and we can offer insight, guidance, and answer any questions you have about marketing and how our products can help.

Deadlines. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the deadlines for the July issues. Space reservation is May 17 and ad copy is due May 24.

Kindly,

-Steve