PORTLAND, Maine—In a year that turned the magazine industry on its head, both of State 23 Media’s magazines, Maine magazine and Maine Home+Design, were recognized for excellence in their respective fields at the annual Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards, the magazine industry’s largest and most prestigious contest celebrating excellence in magazine editorial and design.

Maine magazine won an Ozzie for Overall Art Direction for its November 2019 issue, which featured a striking cover with a close-up shot of a winter surfer, her hairs peeking out from her hooded wetsuit encrusted in ice. Maine Home+Design brought home an Eddie for the North East Full Issue Award for its December 2019 Architecture Issue. Historically one of the publication’s most popular, the Architecture Issue highlights the most renowned residential and commercial projects throughout the state. Maine Home+Design was also fortunate to be recognized with an Ozzie Honorable Mention for Design, Single Magazine Issue for its May 2019 Issue.

This is not the first time that the magazines have picked up awards from Folio:. In 2019 Maine magazine won the Eddie for Magazine Section with the collection of features in its January 2019 Entrepreneurship issue. In the same year Maine Home+Design won the Ozzie for Overall Art Direction and also received an Eddie honorable mention in the Full Issue category for its December 2018 Architecture Issue.

“It’s so great to be recognized year-after-year for the hard work this team has put into our publications. I love working alongside such talented writers and designers who have an infectious passion for what they do,” said State 23 Media publisher Orion Poulin. “Editors Danielle Devine (Maine Home+Design) and Paul Koenig (Maine magazine) continue to push editorial boundaries by covering the most compelling stories that Maine has to offer, and creative director Joel Kuschke has an eye for design that truly captures the essence of this incredible state.”

2020 was the first year that Folio: did not host a gala in New York City, and instead moved to an online format to celebrate the accomplishments of magazine industry professionals across the country. Of the thousands of entries that were submitted, roughly 300 content creators and designers were recognized for their outstanding work in journalism and design. Click here for the full list of the 2020 Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Award winners.

Folio: is the go-to source for news in magazine publishing. Through multiple media platforms, events, webinars, and conferences, it provides industry professionals with business insight, intelligence, and opportunities for peer-to-peer networking.

State 23 Media publishes print and digital media products that celebrate Maine’s communities and those who build and support them, focusing on stories that highlight why people live, work, play, and vacation in Maine. Its flagship publications are Maine magazine and Maine Home+Design. Collectively, the company has the largest social media assets in the state.

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PORTLAND, Maine — For more than 25 years, Folio:’s annual Eddie and Ozzie Awards have honored the cream of the crop in print and digital magazine publishing. In 2019, consumer, B2B, and regional titles from across the country submitted more than 2,500 entries in a variety of categories to compete for Eddies, which honor outstanding journalism, and Ozzies, which recognize the best work in design. When the winners were announced at an awards ceremony on October 30 in New York City, Maine and Maine Home+Design were among them. Both wins were in the City & Regional category. Maine won the Eddie for Magazine Section with the collection of features in its January 2019 issue—the Entrepreneurship Issue. Maine Home+Design won the Ozzie for Overall Art Direction and also received an Eddie honorable mention in the Full Issue category for December 2018—the Architecture Issue.

“I’m honored that our work stood out among so many publishing giants,” said State 23 Media Creative Director Joel Kuschke. “High-quality stories about Maine matched with compelling photography and smart design have always been the hallmark of our magazines. It was exciting to enter for the first time, and even more exciting to win.”

This has been a year of notable growth at State 23 Media, which acquired these magazines in 2018. “On behalf of the ownership team, we are so proud of the writers, photographers, editors, and designers who create these magazines, which are iconic and important to those who love Maine,” said State 23 Media CEO and Managing Partner Sandy Spaulding. “Special shout outs to Maine Home+Design Editor Danielle Devine, Maine magazine Editor Paul Koenig, Creative Director Joel Kuschke, and Special Projects Editor Susan Axelrod, who spearheaded the submission process.”

Folio: is the go-to source for news in magazine publishing. Through multiple media platforms, events, webinars, and conferences, it provides industry professionals with business insight, intelligence, and opportunities for peer-to-peer networking.

State 23 Media publishes print and digital media products that celebrate Maine’s communities and those who build and support them, focusing on stories that highlight why people live, work, play and vacation in Maine. Current publications include Maine magazine, Maine Home+Design, Ageless Maine, and seven guides. The company also hosts numerous events, and collectively its social media assets are the largest in the state.

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Following a crisis, King and her team guided the business back onto its feet with a change-driven restructuring of the organization, enhanced community and partner engagement, and a set of new progressive corporate values and practices. The outcome has been a model media company that is a positive force in the community and is focused on its mission of publishing high-quality magazines highlighting the best of Maine and Mainers.

Bruce Hallett, former president of Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated and now a managing partner of State 23 Media, says “The task in front of State 23 Media a year ago was daunting. I witnessed Andrea’s courage and conviction to turn challenges into opportunities, rebuild broken relationships, and to proactively change the direction of the company. The team is stronger and more cohesive as a result of the actions taken in the last 12 months, and we are confident in the future of these two important media voices in our great state.”

Folio: magazine is the go-to source for news in publishing. It provides business insight, intelligence, and peer-to-peer networking to multiple media platforms. It is the largest event and digital media brand in the nation.

Other nominees include ESPN’s Maria Taylor, PopSugar’s Lindsay Miller, Facebook’s Shauna Sweeney, and Harvard Business Review’s Alison Beard. Honorees will be celebrated at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on Friday, June 7, 2019.

For questions, please contact Shelbi Wassick at swassick@themainemag.com.

Contact:
Shelbi Wassick
Online editor, State 23 Media
swassick@themainemag.com

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Advocate Media USA uses social media to interact with Mainers, visitors to the state, subscribers, local business owners, and more. Advocate Media’s social media venues are open, and we welcome discussion in them. Whether user-posted content is positive or negative, as long as it is in context to the conversation and doesn’t fall into any of the examples below, then we will not hide or delete the content. However if the content is ugly, offensive, denigrating, and/or completely out of context, then we will reject the content.

While it is not our goal to ban or block individual users from our pages, if we believe content violates this policy, we reserve the right to remove that content and may warn or block the offending user. The following activities or types of comments are examples of unacceptable social media behavior:

1. Comments not topically related to the particular social media post or thread.
2. Posts or comments that make obscene remarks about or attack State 23 Media’s publications, staff, contributors, editorial subjects, advertisers, or partners.
3. Graphic, obscene, sexist, racist, or similar offensive comments. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetrates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, or gender.
4. Spam, solicitations, and advertisements.
5. Copyrighted or trademarked material, or intellectual property, posted without the permission of the owner.
6. Confidential or non-public information.

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Following State 23 Media’s acquisition of Maine Media Collective’s print and digital publishing assets, which includes Maine magazine, Maine Home+Design, Old Port magazine and all affiliated annual guides, websites and social media pages, State 23 Media engaged the services Barbara H. Furey, former chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel for Unum, and Paula D. Silsby, former United States Attorney for the District of Maine, to serve as “interviewer” and “adjudicator” respectively and conduct a thorough and independent review of the current corporate culture, workplace environment and human resource policies at State 23 Media and prepare a report.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

State 23 Media’s current corporate culture is respectful, supportive, open, inclusive and intolerant of any form of harassing, demeaning or inappropriate comments or behavior. The behavior and “toxic” culture depicted in the recent publicity are not part of the current workplace environment.

Management is committed to creating a positive and respectful work environment free of any kind of harassment and has taken steps towards that goal. Employee and management have received sexual harassment training. An employee handbook has been created that includes a values statement that sets the tone and defines the culture that the company wants to create – one that is open and transparent, where people are treated fairly and with respect and dignity and employees are empowered. The handbook sets forth a number of policies and standards of conduct that underscore these values by prohibiting harassing, sexually harassing, discriminatory and intimidating language and behavior both on-line and in the workplace; contains an open door policy that encourages employees to discuss all work related issues with management without fear of penalty; and sets forth the disciplinary action, including termination, that can result from violating any of the policies or standards of conduct set forth. Management follows the policies and practices set forth in the handbook. The CEO has spoken publically about her commitment to a culture that represents a safe and respectful workplace.

Employees universally like their jobs, are committed to the mission and values of their company and are proud of the products they produce. They think of themselves as a team. They are empowered to express their ideas and feel heard and involved. They are overwhelmingly positive about the current company culture describing the workplace as familial, inclusive, close-knit, collaborative, caring, open-minded, positive, supportive, friendly, progressive, respectful, trusting, honest, upbeat, candid, professional and fast-paced with a zero tolerance for inappropriate comments and behavior. All employees know whom to contact if they experience or observe inappropriate behavior, are comfortable doing so and have no concerns of retaliation. Management is highly respected by all the employees as supportive and fair. The CEO is described as professional, inspirational, open, responsive, a leader, fair, supportive and collaborative.

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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.

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For further information contact:

Andrea King, CEO, State 23 Media
aking@themainemag.com
207-517-3840

Adam Japko, State 23 Media
ajapko@esteemmedia.com
978-610-6782

State 23 Media, LLC has acquired all print, event, and digital media assets from Maine Media Collective, including Maine magazine, Maine Home+Design, and Old Port magazine. Formed with the purpose of acquiring these prominent Maine brands, State 23’s investors include media and business leaders from Maine, New England, and other national markets. Adam Japko, the founder and CEO of Esteem Media (New England Home, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle, Design Bloggers Conference, etc.) is a lead investor and will work closely with Andrea King, who will lead these brands as CEO. Sandy Spaulding, a long time Maine business leader, is another key member of the investor group and will draw on his local experience to help insure the formation and future success of the company.

“We’re confident Adam and his team’s experience and expertise with national and local media properties will propel our business forward and allow us to continue making a positive impact on the state we love,” said Andrea King, publisher and CEO of State 23 Media. “This group of people invested in our magazines because they believed in our talented team, the editorial mission, and the passionate community we’ve connected and created around our media brands. We’re excited to continue sharing unique and compelling stories about Maine and its people, helping local businesses grow, and investing in the state’s creative community.”

“As publishers of New England Home,” according to Japko, “we watched the amazing connection and energy these Maine media brands created in their market. Since 2005 we have been acquiring best in class regional media around the country, so getting this unique opportunity to invest in Maine’s local media and business communities made tremendous sense to us. As we have with our other properties, we will provide capital and a framework for the local team to create print media, online media, and events that produce meaningful results for local businesses and consumers.”

“My wife, Jill Hinckley, and I are pleased that we were able to assemble an outstanding team of media professionals to collaborate with a tremendous group of local leadership and staff at these venerable media brands,” said Spaulding. “We have deep roots and a love of Maine and are pleased to support our Maine community.”

State 23 Media’s ownership team, which is comprised of individuals with no prior connection to Maine Media Collective, includes:

-Adam Japko, CEO of Esteem Media, founder of Design Bloggers Conference and Managing Partner of New England Home Magazine. Japko has run consumer and B2B media properties and companies since 1980. Most recently, he acquired and ran local home design magazines for Network Communications while launching social media and content marketing solutions and events for the national design industry.

-Sandy Spaulding, President of Sea Glass Capital Advisors, a financial and management advisory firm in Portland. He also is Chairman of Barton & Gray Mariners Club, the leading luxury yachting membership club in the United States, Chair of the Maine Technology Institute and Managing Director of Business Development for Hodgdon Yachts.

-Jill Hinckley, owner of Hinckley Introduction, a matchmaking agency in Portland. Hinckley worked for years at Hinckley Yachts, founded by her grandfather in Southwest Harbor, and later became managing partner at Teak and Holly, a marine industry recruiting firm.

-Gary Mueller is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the media, data and technology sectors. He is currently Chairman of LiquidX, the largest exchange for trade assets. Mueller sold his first company, a global data business with offices in 29 countries, to Institutional Investor, a media company covering the financial services industry, which he then led as CEO. He is also a partner in New England Home Magazine.

-Chris Legg is a financier of media and technology companies. He is a Partner and Senior Managing Director at Progress Partners, a Boston and New York based investment bank and General Partner at Progress Ventures, the firm’s venture capital arm. Chris is a Managing Partner of New England Home Magazine.

-Gerry Parker, COO and CFO of some of the largest local media companies in the US, he recently as COO/CFO of Network Communications, Inc, an Atlanta based local media company that published more than 400 local magazines around the country in housing markets.

-Bruce Hallett, President and CEO of Stuart Dean Company, has served as President of Sports Illustrated and Time Magazine, and Managing Director of Time Inc. Magazines South Pacific, in Sydney, Australia

-Karen Weltchek Mueller is a Boston-based management consultant and entrepreneur. She is a graduate of Harvard College and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and an alumna of McKinsey & Company. She is Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the American Repertory Theatre, Chairman of the Overseers of the Friends of Harvard and Radcliffe Rowing, and a trustee of the Dexter Southfield School.

The sale of the company occurred on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

About State 23 Media: The company is focused on acquiring, launching, investing in, and expanding media properties in Maine that rely on connected communities of trade professionals and enthusiastic consumers. Current businesses include Maine magazine, Maine Home+Design, Ageless Maine and Old Port magazine, as well as producing events and marketing/branding services.

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Maine Magazine Sponsors She Jams Dynamic Dirt Challenge Slated For Saturday, June 2, 2018

Portland, Maine… Maine Magazine announced today that they are a proud sponsor of the Dynamic Dirt Challenge presented by presented by She Jams.

The Dynamic Dirt Challenge & Family Fest obstacle course is designed to challenge participants all around strength, stamina, and mental grit. Racers in this off-road challenge unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover camaraderie with their fellow participants. The beneficiary of this event is Veteran’s Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST), whose goal is to promote lifelong health and well being of veterans with disabilities.

“The Dynamic Dirt Challenge brings out the kid on all participants,” said Andrea King CEO & Publisher of Maine magazine. “It’s an event that’s as much about fitness as it is having fun as you run a course at Pineland Farms… who doesn’t love a giant slip and slide to start a race like this?”

Maine Media Collective proudly supports over 110 non-profit organizations throughout the state.

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ABOUT MAINE MEDIA COLLECTIVE

Maine Media Collective publishes Maine, Maine Home+Design, Ageless Maine and Old Port magazines, produces Love Maine Radio, the Boothbay Harbor Food and Wine Festival, and is home to Art Collector Maine and the Brand Company.

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Maine Magazine Sponsors Shipyard Brewing Company’s Old Port Half Marathon Slated For Saturday, June 23

Portland, Maine… Maine Magazine announced today that they are a proud sponsor of the Old Port Half Marathon presented by Shipyard Brewing Co.

Started in 2011, this year’s half marathon features new start and finish lines that showcase Portland’s historic Old Port District. The race attracts thousands of athletes to this premier half marathon with a course that takes them through Portland and along the paved Eastern Promenade trail with breathtaking views of Casco Bay. All finishers will be treated to a rocking block party right in the heart of the Old Port. Proceeds from the Old Port Half will be donated to a number of local charities that do so much for so many people.

“Providing support to a broad range of events is something we are proud to do each year,” said Andrea King CEO & Publisher of Maine magazine. “But working with Shipyard on this half marathon is particularly gratifying because not only does it give runners a chance to see the Old Port in a whole new way, the event also supports 13 non-profits which makes it that much more special to us.”

Maine Media Collective proudly supports over 110 non-profit organizations throughout the state.

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ABOUT MAINE MEDIA COLLECTIVE

Maine Media Collective publishes Maine, Maine Home+Design, Ageless Maine and Old Port magazines, produces Love Maine Radio, the Boothbay Harbor Food and Wine Festival, and is home to Art Collector Maine and the Brand Company.

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Maine Magazine Sponsors The American Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine Slated For June 15 – 17, 2018

Portland, Maine… Maine Magazine announced today that they are a proud sponsor of the Trek Across Maine presented by the American Lung Association.

The Trek Across Maine is a three-day, 180-mile route cycling tour from the mountains of Sunday River Ski Resort to the sea in Belfast, Maine. Overnight stops at the University of Maine in Farmington and Colby College in Waterville provide a place to for riders and volunteers rest and relax after each leg of the Trek. Activities, entertainment, and food are all a part of the full Trek experience at each location. All money raised by the event go to fund the American Lung Association’s programs and initiatives.

“As an avid cyclist I am thrilled that we sponsor this incredible three-day ride,” said Scott Wentzell, Director of Marketing. “Not only does this event raise much-needed funds for the American Lung Association it gives participants the opportunity to forge new relationships as they tour Maine on two wheels.”

Maine Media Collective supports over 110 non-profit organizations throughout the state.

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ABOUT MAINE MEDIA COLLECTIVE

Maine Media Collective publishes Maine, Maine Home+Design, Ageless Maine and Old Port magazines, produces Love Maine Radio, the Boothbay Harbor Food and Wine Festival, and is home to Art Collector Maine and the Brand Company.

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