Great American Media Services’ titles named finalists in Folio Eddie & Ozzie Awards

Sparta, MI, Aug. 8, 2022 — Several of Great American Media Services’ business-to-business titles have been named finalists in the 2022 Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards, the publishing industry’s most prestigious and coveted honor for editorial and design excellence. There were more than 1,300 entries from across the industry.

The company’s finalists, spanning multiple categories, are:

  • Greenhouse Product News May 2022 Issue (Full Issue; view here
  • Lawn & Garden Retailer March 2022 Issue (Full Issue; view here)
  • National Nut Grower (Magazine Launch; view here)
  • Coach & Athletic Director (Custom Supplement; view here)
  • Greenhouse Product News: Chat Room (Data Visualization; view example here)
  • Celebrations & Occasions (Annual Supplement; view here)

“These recognitions are the result of dedication, hard work and the industry expertise of our talented team members,” said CEO Matt McCallum. “I am proud of our team, and we are all proud to be listed among the best in the industry.”

Winners will be announced Sept. 13 during the 2022 Awards Gala in New York City.

Learn more about Great American Media Services at www.greatamericanmediaservices.com.

Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More announce 40 Under 40 Class of 2018

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by leading specialty retail magazines Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More, revealed its Class of 2018 in July during a ceremony at the Las Vegas Market.

Nearly 120 young professionals were nominated this year, with 40 honorees selected by representatives of Gift Shop, Stationery Trends, Museums & More and the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA). Honorees represent all facets of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and sales managers.

“The caliber of nominations this year was outstanding, and made the selection process incredibly difficult,” said Matt McCallum, CEO of Great American Media Services and Publisher of its Specialty Retail Division. “We were excited to honor the Class of 2018 during the Las Vegas Market, and look forward to seeing how they impact the industry in the coming years.”

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 is:

  • Kaylyn Beaston & Michelle Trincia, Co-Founders of Bloom Daily Planners
  • Alison Bell, U.S. Buyer for Merlin Entertainments Group
  • Zander Brekke, General Counsel and Director of Human Resources for Mud Pie
  • Nneka Brown-Massey, Founder and Creative Director for Innovative Supplies Worldwide
  • Kyle Cassin, Director of Retail for the Keeneland Association
  • Courtney Cochran, Design and Marketing Director for Hester & Cook
  • Laura Damiano, Designer for Laura Damiano Designs
  • Tara Dikos, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Transpac, Ever Ellis and Beachcombers
  • Margo Gianos, Owner and Developer for Honestly Margo
  • Jamie Grobecker, Founder of Sugar Paper
  • Taylor Hamilton, Founder and Illustrator for Tay Ham
  • Mary Ellen Harden, President of Wall Street Greetings
  • Victoria Rhea Harding, Show Producer and Marketing & Buyer Relations Manager for LA Mart Gift + Home + Design Center
  • Lorain Herder, CEO of Doodle Pants
  • Julia Higgins, Sales Director, U.S. Gift & Housewares, for Corkcicle
  • Joy Jansen, Leasing Director for International Market Centers
  • Leanna John, Leasing Manager for International Market Centers
  • Riva Kalasho, Part Owner for Lace Boutique
  • Katy Kelly, Catalog Manager for Mud Pie
  • Nik Kennett, Vice President of Marketing for Kerusso
  • Beth Lawrence, Owner and Jewelry Designer for Freshie & Zero
  • Kristen Ley, Owner & Founder of Thimblepress
  • Brianne MacEachran, Owner of Parcel Paper Studio
  • Cole Mancini, Creative Director and Product Development for Simple Noelle
  • Lisa Mattison Roberts, Owner and President of Rock Paper Scissors
  • Randi Mohr, Vice President and Group Show Director for Emerald Expositions
  • Matthew Nguyen, Founder and Illustrator for Jolly Awesome
  • Andrea Ouargli, Director of E-Commerce for Mud Pie
  • Christine Phan, Co-Founder of ImPaper
  • Sadie Piller, Senior Merchandise Manager for Paper Source
  • Christina Povoli, Director of Business Analytics for OneCoast
  • Antonio Renteria, Director of Sales & Community Relations for the Airborne & Special Operations Museum
  • Emily Sanzone, Top Accounts Manager for Vera Bradley
  • Shelby Scott, Store Manager for The Red Barn of Woodbridge
  • Ryan Sheehy, Manager of Linden Leaf Gifts, Sisters of Providence
  • Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square
  • Lesley Upson, Graphic Designer for PSA Essentials
  • Heather Vaught, Owner of River City Coffee + Goods
  • Katelyn Woolley, Founder & Creative Director for The Noble Paperie
  • Christina Young, President & Founder of Stia Jewelry

 

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards are held in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association and hosted annually by the Las Vegas Market. Nomination details for the 2019 awards will be available online beginning January 2019, at www.giftshopmag.com, www.stationerytrendsmag.com and www.museumsandmore.com.

About the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards

Launched in 2017 by Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More magazines, the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards recognize the next generation of specialty retail industry leaders. The awards are open to all segments of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and industry associations – with honorees selected based on leadership qualities, creativity, innovative thinking and commitment to the industry. The awards are presented in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and hosted by the Las Vegas Market.

About the Gift & Home Trade Association

The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) was formed in 2000, as the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association. The Association was designed to help and encourage vendors, sales agencies, industry affiliates and retailers to work together, improving relationships and making business better by providing members with the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with industry leaders. Essentially, the GHTA is a place for members to connect, to learn, and to contribute.

About the Las Vegas Market

Since its launch in the Summer of 2005, Las Vegas Market has become the most comprehensive furniture, home décor and gift market in the Western United States, presenting a unique cross-section of 4,000+ resources in an unrivaled market destination. At the Las Vegas Market you will find the only home furnishings market in the west; the fastest growing gift & home décor market in the nation; THE national bedding market, new category launches including casual/outdoor, and housewares/gourmet; and a 5 million+ square-foot, state-of-the-art venue.

GPN announces 40 Under 40 class of 2018

Greenhouse Product News (GPN) magazine has announced its seventh annual 40 Under 40 rising horticulture superstars in the May issue. The Class of 2018 members were nominated by their peers based on personal and professional accomplishments. These exemplary 24 men and 16 women also are featured online at www.gpnmag.com, and will be honored at a special reception during Cultivate’18, in Columbus, Ohio, in July.

“The 40 individuals in this year’s class represent all of the different disciplines of horticulture, but they all have one thing in common,” said GPN Editorial Director Tim Hodson. “They are the pioneers for the future of our industry.”

The members of the Class of 2018 are:

  • Tim Anderson, Walters Gardens
  • Brian Austin, Dutch Heritage Gardens
  • Anna Mary Barcus, Henry’s Farm & Greenhouses
  • Krishna Bhattarai, University of Florida
  • Sam Brown, Fiddleheads Garden Center
  • Don Caroleo, The Garden Dept.
  • Eric Clark, Greenleaf Nursery Company
  • Laurie Conlon, Olson Greenhouses
  • Garet Dinges, ColorPoint
  • Kevin Donnelly, Midwest Trading Horticultural Supplies
  • Katie Dubow, Garden Media Group
  • Mark Frey, Gulley Greenhouse
  • Dylan Fulk, Practical Software Solutions
  • Will Heeman, Heeman Greenhouses
  • Amy Hoeschel, North Creek Nurseries
  • Jordan Holtkamp, Eason Horticultural Resources, Inc.
  • Brian Jackson, North Carolina State University
  • Shelby Jackson, Carolina Native Nursery
  • Tyler Lang, OakBridge Greenhouse
  • Jordan Lutes, ColorPoint
  • Angela Martin, Metrolina Greenhouses
  • Dana Massey, Plantworks
  • Maddie Maynor, North Creek Nurseries
  • Kyle McKean, Star Roses and Plants
  • Josh Miller, Four Star Greenhouse
  • Sirekit Mol, Beekenkamp Plants
  • Andrew Myers, ProGrowTech
  • Gary Nienhuis, Spring Meadow Nursery
  • Stacey Noble, Ball Horticultural Co.
  • Christina Olivieri, Peace Tree Farm
  • Daniel Ortega, Botany Lane Greenhouse
  • Lindsay Pangborn, Dümmen Orange
  • Yujin Park, Michigan State University
  • Patrick Peterson, Bayer
  • Mike Richardson, Walla Walla Nursery
  • Matthew Ross, Longwood Gardens
  • Jennie Smith, Kemin Industries
  • Zachary Steeno, Rose Innovations
  • Christa Steenwyk, Walters Gardens
  • Franz Johann Weding, Schulte’s Greenhouse

The Class of 2018 sponsors include: AmericanHort, BioWorks, Dümmen Orange, Nexus Greenhouse Systems, Nufarm and Proven Winners.

For more information on each member of GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018, visit www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40. Nomination for the Class of 2019 will be available online in November.

Lawn & Garden Retailer wins publishing award

Lawn & Garden Retailer received top honors at the Eddie and Ozzie Awards Ceremony in the B2B Full Issue category for its March 2017 issue. Presented annually by Folio Magazine, the awards celebrate excellence in magazine editorial and design across all sectors of the industry. For the 2017 awards, a panel of more than 300 judges selected finalists and winners from among 2,800 entries.

“We’re thrilled to take home the top honor in our B2B category and are incredibly proud of the Lawn & Garden Retailer team for their commitment to editorial excellence,” CEO Matt McCallum said. “The entire Great American Media Services family appreciates this recognition and looks forward to future growth and innovation as a publishing industry leader.”

For more than 20 years, the Eddie and Ozzie Awards have celebrated publishing industry success. The Eddie Awards recognize the best in print and digital editorial, while the Ozzie Awards recognize the best in magazine and website design. Winners were revealed in front of more than 200 media professionals on Oct. 11 during the 2017 Folio Show in New York City.

Other Great American Media Services titles recognized as finalists in the 2017 Eddie and Ozzie Awards are GPN Magazine, B2B Full Issue; Fruit Growers News, B2B Full Issue and Series of Articles; Stationery Trends, B2B Media Kit and Use of Typography; and Party & Paper Retailer, B2B Feature Design.

Fruit Growers News wins prestigious B2B publishing award

Fruit Growers News received top honors at the Eddie and Ozzie Awards Ceremony in the B2B Full Issue category for its April 2017 issue. Presented annually by Folio Magazine, the awards, presented Oct. 11, celebrate excellence in magazine editorial and design across all sectors of the industry. For the 2017 awards, a panel of more than 300 judges selected finalists and winners from among 2,800 entries.

“We’re thrilled to take home the top honor in our B2B category and are incredibly proud of the Fruit Growers News team for their commitment to editorial excellence,” CEO Matt McCallum said. “The entire Great American Media Services family appreciates this recognition and looks forward to future growth and innovation as a publishing industry leader.”

For more than 20 years, the Eddie and Ozzie Awards have celebrated publishing industry success. The Eddie Awards recognize the best in print and digital editorial, while the Ozzie Awards recognize the best in magazine and website design. Winners were revealed in front of more than 200 media professionals on Oct. 11 during the 2017 Folio Show in New York City.

Fruit Growers News also was a finalist in the Series of Articles category for its labor series. Other Great American Media Services titles recognized as finalists in the 2017 Eddie and Ozzie Awards are GPN Magazine, B2B Full Issue; Lawn & Garden Retailer, B2B Full Issue; Stationery Trends, B2B Media Kit and Use of Typography; and Party & Paper Retailer, B2B Feature Design.

Learn more about Fruit Growers News.

Party & Paper Retailer renamed Party & Halloween Retailer to more accurately reflect core audiences

Great American Media Services, publisher of Party & Paper Retailer, has announced it’s renaming the 31-year old magazine to Party & Halloween Retailer beginning with the November/December 2017 issue. The name change is a more accurate reflection of the direction of the industry, as well as the magazine’s core audiences, largely comprised of party stores, balloon retailers, Halloween and costume stores and haunted attractions.

“The change to Party & Halloween Retailer is a natural and necessary transition to make, as the Halloween and haunt segments of the industry are turning to this magazine and its online resources more frequently than ever,” CEO Matt McCallum said. “We’ve always had a strong focus on these categories and are excited to further solidify our commitment to addressing their needs both in print and online, while remaining committed to our party and balloon retailers.”

Founded in 1986 and purchased by Great American Media Services in 2004, Party & Halloween Retailer will continue to be devoted to helping retailers in the party, Halloween, costume and balloon industries succeed in today’s competitive retail environment. It will continue its tradition of providing timely and relevant information focused on the latest products, emerging trends, industry news and more. Additional information about Party & Halloween Retailer can be found online at www.partyandhalloween.com.

Great American Media Services announces Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award honorees

The inaugural Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by leading specialty retail magazines Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More, revealed its Class of 2017 yesterday during a ceremony at the Las Vegas Market.

Nearly 140 young professionals were nominated for the first-ever Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards, with 40 honorees selected by representatives of Gift Shop, Stationery Trends, Museums & More, the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and GHTA’s Young Gift Executives Program (YGE). Honorees represent all facets of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and sales managers.

“This has been an exciting awards program to launch, with a tremendous amount of industry support from the very beginning,” said Kim Baker, COO and Specialty Retail Division Publisher of Great American Media Services. “The selection process for this first year was difficult, with so many deserving candidates among the nominations. I congratulate each honoree and look forward to seeing how they help shape the industry over the coming years.”

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Class of 2017 is:

  • Caitlin Abshier, Owner & Founder, Cait & Company
  • Joanna Alberti, Founder & Owner, philoSophies
  • Lisa Ball Ponder, Fourth Generation Owner, Henry B Ball West
  • Steven Broukhim, President, Brouk and Company
  • Chad Corzine, Owner, The Urban Agriculture Company
  • Paul Cosaro, Managing Partner, Picnic Time Family of Brands
  • Jessica Dean, Guest Experience Manager, Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Leslie Dickinson, Territory Sales Manager, Mud Pie Sales Division, OneCoast
  • Christa Dyer, Director of Operations, The DoSeum: San Antonio’s Museum for Kids
  • Courtney Fogarty, Account Manager, Incipio
  • Lauren Gryniewski, Owner & Creative Director, Old Tom Foolery / Modern Lore / Greater Goods
  • Molly Hatch, Designer & Potter, Molly Hatch Designs
  • Lindsay Henry, Founder & Creative Director, Inklings Paperie
  • Katie Hunt, Founder, Tradeshow Bootcamp
  • Kyle Johnson Smith, Design Manager, Coton Colors
  • Davidson Lewis, CEO, Eco Brands Group, Makers of Alchemy Goods
  • Inger McDowell-Hartye, Chief Curator, With Love from PDX
  • Lauren Miller Brekke, Vice President of Merchandising, Mud Pie
  • Carina Murray, Principal Sales Rep, Crow & Canary
  • Esther Ossei-Anto, Marketing Manager, Las Vegas Market
  • Elizabeth Olwen, Contributing Artist, Madison Park Group
  • Gina Peterson, Owner, Graphic Designer, Ginger P. Designs
  • Sarah Reed, Owner & Designer, Dodeline Design
  • Bridgette Reed, Owner, Olivia Sophia Stationery
  • Leanne Scanlon, Owner, Hardscrabble Gifts
  • Dylan Schauben, Vice President, J.Grob Associates
  • Serenity Shanklin, Store Operations Manager, Mill City Museum
  • Beth Snyder, Owner/Creative Director, 1canoe2
  • Kate Strzok, President, Broadway Paper
  • Virginia Thomas, President & CEO, Ann Page
  • Sarah Walsh & Erin Miller, Co-Owners, Haute Papier
  • Megan & Cedar Watson, Co-Owners & Operators, Paper Goat Post
  • Jessica Werner, Gift Shop Manager, Marketing & Event Coordinator, Long Island Science Center
  • Jacqueline White, Owner & General Manager, African American Art & More
  • Kristin Wilson, Designer, Grace and Serendipity
  • Kelly Wilson, Visitor Experience Assistant Manager, Mingei International Museum/The Collectors’ Gallery Museum Store
  • Christopher Wornom, Director of Business Development & Acquisitions, Evergreen Enterprises
  • Charlene Wright, Sales Manager, Emily McDowell Studio
  • Lawrence Yeh, CEO, Paper Pop Cards
  • Alaina Young, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Q Squared

“The Gift & Home Trade Association wants to extend its warmest congratulations to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017,” said Allison Barrows, president of GHTA’s Board of Directors. “We are dedicated to fostering the growth of our industry and are proud to be a part of this program.”

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards were sponsored by Mud Pie, held in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association and its Young Gift Executives Program, and hosted by the Las Vegas Market. Nomination details for the 2018 awards will be available online beginning January 2018, at www.giftshopmag.com, www.stationerytrendsmag.com and www.museumsandmore.com.

About the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards

Launched in 2017 by Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More magazines, the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards recognize the next generation of specialty retail industry leaders. The awards are open to all segments of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and industry associations – with honorees selected based on leadership qualities, creativity, innovative thinking and commitment to the industry. The awards are presented in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and its Young Gift Executives Program, and hosted by the Las Vegas Market.

About MudPie

Founded in 1988 by current CEO Marcia Miller, Mud Pie is an award-winning manufacturer of innovatively designed and affordably priced gifts. Based in Stone Mountain, GA, the company is comprised of three divisions – Mud Pie Baby, Mud Pie Living and Mud Pie Fashion. Mud Pie is a favorite brand of style-conscious consumers and is available in over 16,000 specialty retailers and department stores around the world.

About the Gift & Home Trade Association

The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) was formed in 2000, as the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association. The Association was designed to help and encourage vendors, sales agencies, industry affiliates and retailers to work together, improving relationships and making business better by providing members with the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with industry leaders. Essentially, the GHTA is a place for members to connect, to learn, and to contribute.

About the Las Vegas Market

Since its launch in the Summer of 2005, Las Vegas Market has become the most comprehensive furniture, home décor and gift market in the Western United States, presenting a unique cross-section of 4,000-plus resources in an unrivaled market destination. At the Las Vegas Market you will find the only home furnishings market in the west; the fastest growing gift & home décor market in the nation; THE national bedding market, new category launches including casual/outdoor, and housewares/gourmet; and a 5 million-plus square-foot, state-of-the-art venue.

GPN Magazine Announces 40 Under 40 Class of 2017

GPN (Greenhouse Product News) magazine has announced its 40 Under 40 Class of 2017, a group of exemplary horticulture professionals nominated by their peers for the impressive accomplishments of their young careers. The 13 women and 27 men who comprise the Class of 2017 are featured in the May issue of GPN, online at www.gpnmag.com, and will be honored at a special reception during Cultivate ’17 in Columbus, Ohio.

This year’s multi-faceted class represents a wide spectrum of the horticulture industry, growers, breeders, garden center retailers, educators, scientists, technology developers and so much more. These young professionals are making great strides for their individual businesses and the industry as a whole.

“This year’s class is made up of 40 young men and women who are the rising stars who shine in their careers as well as their personal lives. These down-to-Earth superstars have established themselves as current and future industry leaders,” say Tim Hodson, GPN’s editorial director

“It is a diverse and distinguished class. These men and women represent the future of the horticulture industry,” Hodson adds. “And the future is bright!”

For more information on each member of GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017, visit www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40. Nomination forms for the Class of 2018 will be available online in November.

Published by Great American Media Services, GPN is the print, digital and online resource for commercial growers, with a 100 percent requested subscription base of 19,000. Visit www.gpnmag.com for additional information.

Four Great American Media Services Publications Recognized as Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Award Finalists

Four magazines published by Great American Media Services have been named finalists in this year’s Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards. The Folio: Awards honor excellence in editorial and design for the nation’s publishing industry, with awards spanning 31 categories from Cover Design to Editorial Team of the Year.

Great American Media Services represents three of the seven finalists in the B-to-B Full Issue Eddie Award Agriculture/Farming category:

Gift Shop, redesigned in 2015, is one of six finalists in the B-to-B Redesign Ozzie Award category and the sole honoree in the retail market. Published quarterly by Great American Media Services, Gift Shop delivers the latest product trends, retailer interviews and more for the nation’s specialty gift shops.

“We are extremely proud to be honored alongside such incredible magazine titles and fellow publishers,” said Matt McCallum, CEO of Great American Media Services and publisher of the Agriculture Division. “Having four of our publications within the lineup of finalists is a testament to the dedication and talent of the Great American Media Services team.”

“We are beyond proud that Gift Shop has been named a finalist in the B-to-B Redesign Category,” said Kim Baker, publisher of the Retail Division. “This was a long-term collective effort of our Retail Team, and I’m pleased that the attention to detail and forward-thinking design elements are being recognized industry-wide.”

The winners of the 2016 Eddie & Ozzie Awards will be recognized at a celebratory luncheon on Oct. 31 during The Folio: Show in New York City.

About Great American Media Services

With more than 50 years of experience in business-to-business communications and marketing, Great American Media Services is a leading source of industry information for the agriculture, horticulture, retail and sports industries through its 14 print magazines, related digital communications and supporting industry events. In addition, Great American Media Services offers a number of additional marketing solutions for clients to engage with prospective customers on a multitude of platforms. Visit www.greatamericanmediaservices.com for additional information.

Why your marketing plan should include video

Does your marketing plan include video? If not, you might want to make a few changes.

Here’s why:

  • 96% of B2B companies are planning to use video in their marketing over the next year.
  • 52% of marketing professionals say video provides their highest ROI.
  • Using the word “video” in an email subject line increases your open rate by 18%.
  • Featuring a video in an email increases your click through rate by 65%.

Videos are of one of my favorite marketing tools.

Not only do they encourage customer engagement, they bring people coming back for more.

Some of our customers have had great success with “How-To Commercials” and video product launches. If your customers see one video about your company, they are likely to except more. Give them what they are asking for!

Because videos are the next big thing, social media networks are putting emphasis on video, too. YouTube is bigger than ever. Facebook now allows you to upload videos directly to your profile and go “live” from their mobile app. Instagram allows 15-second clips. And Periscope is hitting the ground running. What more could a marketer ask for?

If you don’t have the resources to create videos on your own, we’re here to help! We can work with you at an industry trade show or in your corporate office.  Reach out to your integrated marketing consultant for more information.