Golfdom Announces Multiple Promotions and New Staff Additions

Cleveland, OH — December 8, 2017 — Golfdom, a North Coast Media (NCM) brand serving the golf course maintenance industry, is pleased to announce the promotions of Craig MacGregor to Publisher, Seth Jones to Associate Publisher, Chloe Scoular to Account Manager, and the addition of Dan Hannan to Eastern Regional Sales Manager. Jake Goodman, who was recently promoted to Western Regional Sales Manager, remains in that role.

These moves were made necessary thanks to the fast growth over the past five years of Golfdom’s print and digital products and the overwhelming success of its hosted event, the Golfdom Summit, held last week at the Reunion Resort outside of Orlando, Fla.

“We are currently celebrating the Golfdom brand’s 90-year history,” said Kevin Stoltman, President and CEO of North Coast Media. “In addition to celebrating the brand, it is time to celebrate and announce some well-deserved promotions and additions to the Golfdom staff. We are gearing up for the best years yet for Golfdom readers and marketing partners.”

Craig MacGregor joined Golfdom and sister publication Landscape Management (LM) in January 2012. He was promoted to Associate Publisher of both in 2015 and continued to excel in growing his clients’ businesses through strong partnerships and new innovations, including NCM’s first Facebook Live event at this year’s GIE+EXPO. Craig has played an integral role in the record growth the past five years of the LM and Golfdom brands. In addition to his new Publisher role with Golfdom, he will remain Associate Publisher of LM.

Seth Jones joined Golfdom as Editor-in-Chief in December 2010 after working as an editor on Golf Course Management magazine for 12 years. In his seven years with Golfdom, his editorial vision has helped Golfdom lead the industry in readership and awards. In 2015 the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) named Seth best columnist in the industry; In 2016 the magazine’s 16 TOCA awards were as many as all their competitors combined. Already instrumental in the success of the Golfdom Summit and collaborating with the Golfdom sales team on industry partner marketing initiatives, Seth will fit into the role of Associate Publisher seamlessly. He also will remain Golfdom’s Editor-in-Chief.

Dan Hannan joins the company with more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience. He’ll utilize his experience to manage the Eastern Region for both the Golfdom and LM brands. Dan will help his customers develop marketing and branding solutions to strengthen their positions in the golf course maintenance and landscaping and lawn care industries.

Chloe Scoular, NCM’s Buyers Guide Account Manager since 2014, has excelled in customer relations and growing classified and buyers guide products. In her new role as Account Manager, she will dedicate her efforts to introducing Golfdom and LM marketing opportunities to new partners.

“The Golfdom sales team is energized and ready to take Golfdom to the next level,” added Bill Roddy, Group Publisher of Golfdom and LM. “We are already busy brainstorming new ideas to help our customers grow. It’s a very exciting time for both the Golfdom and Landscape Management brands.”

About North Coast Media
North Coast Media, LLC. employs over 50 professionals who collectively possess hundreds of years of experience creating and delivering unparalleled media — from industry-leading print magazines, websites, email newsletters, social media and mobile solutions — to exclusive industry research, custom products and one-on-one buyer-seller networking events. NCM flagship brands include Golfdom, GPS World, Landscape Management, LP Gas, Pest Management Professional and Pit & Quarry. Ancillary brands include Athletic Turf News, Geospatial Solutions, Portable Plants & Equipment and Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations.

How to integrate technology into your events

By Angela Gibian, Marketing & Event Manager

The tech trend is expanding all around us. Every day there is a new platform, app or tool launched, it can sometimes be hard to keep up. The event world is no different. Most consumers are now acclimated to quick, clean, easy and responsive technology in their every day life and the expectation is set for that to carry over into their experience at events.

Streamlining events by integrating new and different types of technology is a great way to keep attendees informed, excited and engaged. Below are just a few of the many different types of technology that are on the rise in the event scene and some of their various applications.

Event registration platforms are a great way to incorporate technology into your event even before you get onsite. There are several popular platforms that allow you to build custom websites where you can email, register, track and profile event attendees. Many of these platforms also allow for simplified check-in processes, attendee mobile apps and important post-event reporting/analytics.

Event mobile apps are considered very mainstream in today’s event world. Many registration and event management platforms transfer over to mobile. In addition there are great independent applications to engage, inform and communicate with your event attendees. Text reminders, maps, itineraries, sponsor advertising/profiling, social media posts and more can be at the tip of any event-goers fingers.

Tablets/iPads are a great way to showcase material and capture user information during events. These portable devices allow you to maintain and organize real-time data while on-site. They also gives your event a sleek and modern look, rather than having paper and pens for staff and guests to use. Going digital can also save money on print costs and allow for unlimited registration or subscriptions. In addition, iPads or Tablets can be great to feature your product or product website. Staff and guests can use onsite devices to peruse your website, view your products or read targeted content.

Social media is a huge way to impact your audience before during and after an event. Whether you are attending a large trade show or hosting a roundtable, sharing these opportunities and experiences with your audience using social media platforms is increasingly important. Creating an event hashtag, posting photos, live streaming or creating social giveaways or contests can keep your company in the social stream of consciousness.

Video and live streaming is now more popular than ever. With the advent of Facebook Live, Periscope, Instagram Live, YouTube Live and other streaming tools, event activities can be promoted to audiences outside of the on-site attendees to a broader group, creating a buzz and allowing people could not be there an opportunity to get in on the action. Other ways to leverage video at events include using drones or Go-Pros to show unique, exciting perspectives on experiences, giving the viewer a first person view of what’s happening. Outside of live applications, filming attendee testimonials or interviews are another great way to engage your guests and also provide use post-event as a way to continue the connection with your audience, educate others and encourage attendance next year.

However you decide to integrate technology, it is a sure way to enrich your event. With the variety of options available it will not only benefit your guests, but also you and your business.

Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism & Promotional Communications from Cleveland State University. Angela has more than 10 years of experience planning and managing events, ranging from product launches to non-profit galas. Prior to joining North Coast Media, she was in charge of fundraising events for the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio, where she remains a volunteer. Her diverse background, along with her knowledge of marketing and public relations, helps her to execute impactful and results-driven events on behalf of NCM’s publications and clients.

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For more information contact Bethany Chambers at bchambers@northcoastmedia.net.

Through the eyes of a newbie: My first week at North Coast Media

By Angela Gibian, Marketing & Event Manager

What if no one talks to me? What if I am in over my head? What if I am late?

Starting a new job is always stressful, but my first week at North Coast Media (NCM) was an exciting whirlwind of learning, fun and flip-flops. Here is a breakdown of my first few days as the “newbie” at NCM.

Monday: Meet & Greets
During the interview process, I already felt pretty comfortable speaking with the North Coast Media staff I had met. I sensed that it was a good team or family of people who genuinely enjoyed working with each other. I was not wrong. On my first day I got a tour of the office, set up my cubicle (a window seat!) and was introduced to my new co-workers. Some of my teammates even took me out for a delicious lunch. During the rest of the day I learned a bit about each of our publications and I took on a few initial tasks to get my feet wet. Day 1: Check.

Tuesday: Content Rocks
My second day at NCM was filled with marketing, music, food, laughs and trying to remember a lot of names. This was the day I attended the “NCM Content Rocks” meeting at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I joined the NCM Content Team at the Aloft hotel, where we were shuttled off to the Rock Hall for a series of sessions led by a subject matter expert from the Poynter Institute. The speaker was engaging and spirited, and the group took away a lot of useful knowledge on content development and marketing tactics. (And I got to nerd out learning about new online tools that I had never used before)

Following an educational day at the Rock Hall, we were invited to Happy Hour at Margaritaville. We had drinks and played a game of “music bingo,” which was an enjoyable way to get know people. I spotted some surprising answers to “favorite band” and “desert island album” on the game cards. After Happy Hour we had a delicious dinner at Alley Cat Oyster Bar, where we chatted about the day’s activities. Finally, we ended the evening at Punch Bowl Social with some friendly competition in Ping-Pong and shuffleboard. At this point I couldn’t help but think, “I could get used to this,” while simultaneously thinking “I need to go to bed.”

Wednesday: The Nitty-Gritty
On the third day was when I really got a deep-dive into my role and the tasks at hand. I met with some of the publishers and started working on my first media planner for 2018. This is where I really began to learn about not only the specific publications, but also all of their different media partnership opportunities and offerings. Although at this point I was still working on turning the right way out of the elevator and remembering names, I hit the ground running and commenced on my first media planner outline. (Thank goodness I went to bed on time.)

Thursday: Finding A Groove
By Thursday I finally felt like I was starting to pick up what had been laid down in front of me for the first three days. I got off the elevator and went the right direction, I knew where to find my folders, and I was making great headway on my first media planner. I officially had about one-third of the names down and I was feeling much more confident in asking questions and trying to hunt down answers. I am on my way to finding my groove.

Friday: Flip-Flops
Friday. Friday. Friday. Who doesn’t love Friday? At NCM “Flip-Flop Fridays” mean comfortable clothing, flip-flops (if you choose) and a nice half-day of work. Of course, the first thing that happened when I arrived at the office was someone tried to sabotage me by putting donuts in the kitchen! After fighting the urge for a quick sugar rush, I got back to work on the media planner. I also met with another publishing team to get the details to begin working on a second publication’s planner. It was a busy morning — but not to worry — I started my weekend early and I was headed home to my dogs.

What a week!

By the time my first week ended, I was sure more than ever that I made the right move coming to NCM. The people here are fun, kind, intelligent and hardworking — the cream of the crop in my opinion. I am excited to face new challenges and reignite and develop my creative marketing skills, while continuing to contribute my logistical expertise and experience to the planning of different events. Although I still have a lot to learn, I feel like there is a bright future ahead for me as a part of this team.

Over the weekend I was fervent in telling my friends and family about my new job — bragging about all of the cool people I had met, and rubbing “Flip-Flop Fridays” in their faces.

Now, week two is about to begin and I’m looking forward to my next adventure…and no longer being the “newbie.”

Angela is a seasoned marketing professional who has worked in the nonprofit and for-profit space planning everything from test drives at the North American International Auto Show to major gala fundraisers. Now in her third week at NCM, she is no longer the “newbie” as our editorial team has expanded.

The best location in the nation

By: Bridget Ebner, Content Marketing Intern

From June 24 to July 2, 2017, Engage! Cleveland hosted the fourth annual Cleveland Young Professionals Week presented by KeyBank, the largest event in its industry hosted by a nonprofit organization. Over a span of nine days, there were more than 2,000 young professionals in attendance.
During the week, Engage! Cleveland hosted 33 events for young professionals in the Cleveland area to attend. Cleveland’s young professionals were given the opportunity to network with their peers and community leaders, all while exploring the plethora of opportunities that our beloved city has to offer.

I attended the sold-out event entitled “Cleveland: City of Champions Panel Discussion” with some of my coworkers at NCM. The event had an all-star panel, that provided us with great knowledge and inspiring takeaways. Chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Indians,Paul Dolan, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, David Gilbert and Cleveland Cavaliers & Quicken Loans Arena CEO,Len Komoroski spoke about how 2016 was the year of championships and how Cleveland has grown into such a thriving city with a vibrant community.

All three of the men offered their words of wisdom to the audience of young professionals. Here are some of the impactful words that the Cleveland panel of royalty had to say:

“The path you’re on right now is probably not going to lead you to where you think you’re going, so take chances.” -Paul Dolan

So often, we think we know the exact path we’re on. And so often, life throws curveballs at us that we never expected. If your set plan goes differently than you hoped, shake it off and roll with the punches. Just because you didn’t get that position you desperately wanted doesn’t mean your life is over. Look at the positive side — by getting denied you are able to explore other opportunities you never would have considered. Do not close yourself off to different opportunities. Instead, embrace them, and think of the wonderful experience you will gain by trying something different. You have plenty of time to figure out your life, so take chances, make mistakes and learn. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“As much as I love Pittsburgh three rivers cannot compete with a Great Lake.” -Len Komoroski

My mom has always said, “Never forget where you came from.” Better advice has never been given. My mom was born and raised in Cleveland, and at one time lived in Washington D.C., our nation’s capital, but decided to move home because she said no city compares to Cleveland. She has instilled in me that no matter where life takes me, to always appreciate the place that made you into the person you are today. It is also very important to connect with fellow Clevelanders and to support one another. Share your strengths and talents, and offer to help each other. This city will be even greater with an even tighter knit community.

“It doesn’t have to be The Art Museum or Cavs, it can be your favorite sandwich at Melt. Whatever it is, hashtag it and put it out to the world.” -David Gilbert

Social media has played such a large role in our generation. It takes less than a second to post our thoughts, feelings and opinions online, reaching all of our followers and friends. Instead of tweeting about how the traffic downtown during a Cavs game is crazy, tweet about how lucky you are to live in such an exciting city. When you go to post that picture of you and your friends at the Indians game, include what restaurant downtown you ate at before the game or how much the city means to you. Take pride in your city and all the amenities it has to offer. Don’t stay quiet about your love for Cleveland. Whether you’re 216, 440 or 330, don’t be afraid to voice your love for our beautiful city to anyone and everyone.

Landscape Management launches Growth Summit website

CLEVELAND—JUNE 28, 2017—North Coast Media brand Landscape Management launched LMGrowthSummit.com, which highlights its event connecting leading supplier partners with pre-qualified landscaping and lawn care professionals for education, networking and one-on-one meetings.

“The LM Growth Summit is the industry’s only event pairing supplier partners and landscape professionals for meetings and relationship-building opportunities that traditional trade shows and conferences can’t match,” says Bill Roddy, publisher of Landscape Management.

The website provides details and answers to frequently asked questions about how attendees of the LM Growth Summit gain knowledge and information to improve their businesses and build stronger relationships with leading supplier partners. Other highlights of the new website include a time-lapse video which walks viewers step-by-step through the event agenda explaining what it’s all about.

Pre-qualified attendees receive a complimentary participation package that includes two days of hotel accommodations, food, beverages and recreational activities at the first-class Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Landscape professionals may apply on the website and suppliers that are interested in partnering may learn more by contacting Bill Roddy at broddy@northcoastmedia.net.

Visit the new website, or the Landscape Management website, for more information.