Under the banner of State 23 Media, our magazines have new owners, and we have embarked on a new voyage that strengthens our focus on producing high-quality, engaging publications that showcase the best of Maine and Mainers.

The owners include managing partners Adam Japko, founder and CEO of Esteem Media, which publishes New England Home and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle, and Sandy Spaulding, a longtime Maine business leader.

Moreover, we have made a strong commitment to be a model company that is a positive force in Maine—a company that will continually earn the respect and admiration of our staff, contributors, advertisers, and readers.

This spring, we learned of inappropriate behavior in the workplace that was far out of line with whom we wanted to be. I understand the disappointment and doubts these stories caused for our staff, readers, and advertisers. We apologize and are committed to fixing what led to these problems. We have taken actions—including putting in place policies and best practices to promote a corporate culture that is safe, transparent, and respectful, and where discrimination or harassment, in any form, will not be tolerated.

I don’t expect that words alone will immediately reestablish your trust in our company. We plan to do even more, including actively listening and learning from those in our community.
I believe in this company, I am committed to our mission and values, and I am proud of our extraordinarily talented and committed staff.

There’s an old French proverb, Qui n’avance pas, recule, which roughly translates as “Who does not move forward, recedes.” Here’s to moving forward, ever the wiser, and producing outstanding magazines and superb events to serve you—our readers, customers, and partners—long into the future.