North Coast Media, LLC

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.

Golfdom editor-in-chief’s article picked up by Pitchcare.com

Accumulating more than 15 years of experience in the golf and turf industries, Athletic Turf and Golfdom editor-in-chief Seth Jones makes it one of his priorities to travel the world and seek great stories.

On June 5, 2017, Pitchcare, the premier organization for the sports and amenity turf industries in the U.K. with 50,000 members, selected Jones’ 2017 U.S. Open Preview article to be featured on the homepage of their website, Pitchare.com.

“There is always interest in how greenkeepers go about their work in other countries,” says Peter Britton, Director of Advertising and Production at Picthcare.com. “As you may know, we work closely with Ohio State University to promote the work that Mike O’Keeffe and his team do in placing U.K. interns into the States.”

Britton selected the article because it was of particular interest to U.K. greenkeepers.

“Whilst the grass species and climatic challenges may be different, the efforts of the greenkeeping staff are to be promoted at every opportunity, wherever they are in the world,” Britton says.

Attesting to his expertise in the golf and turf industries, Jones was voted best columnist of 2014 by the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association.

Jones values having strong connections with other people working in the same industry, near or far.

“I meet with Peter whenever I’m over at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in England. Peter is nice enough to keep me on the subscription list so I can stay up-to-date on what he and his team is reporting on across the pond,” says Jones. “I admire the work they do. I’m happy to share Golfdom content with PitchCare—groundskeepers across the world share the same passions; they’re all in it together.”

Read Jones’ article: “2017 U.S. Open preview: Erin Hills” from Pitchcare.com, on June 5, 2017

Landscape Management editor delivers keynote at The Lighting Summit

As associate editor of Landscape Management, Dillon Stewart focuses on producing and editing print and digital content, and is always prepared to share his skills in the field. In January, Stewart was a keynote speaker at the 4th annual Lighting Summit in Omaha, Neb.

The Light Summit hosted 21 landscape lighting professionals, and Stewart shared his expertise about how landscape lighting and design/build and installation companies can interact with trade and local media outlets more effectively.

Stewart’s goal of his presentation was to demystify the editorial process and put a human face to the magazine.

“We’re constantly looking for story ideas and feedback from our readers,” Stewart says. “Our magazine is designed to be a reflection of the ideas, trends and best practices in our industry. There is no one as aware of and knowledgeable about those things as the landscape professionals that are on the ground every day.”

Stewart also detailed how important it is for companies to build a certain image.

“We’re at a point where companies need to build a public persona, whether that’s through established media or social media, to stay relevant. The entire event focused on marketing tactics, website design and, of course, media engagement rather than how to install the latest and greatest products,” Stewart says.

Read Stewart’s article “Recap: McKay Lighting Summit focuses on marketing”

Digital Media Content Producer’s blog featured on ASBPE.org

Allison Barwacz specializes in digital media and is aware of the constant change in the industry. She makes it her goal to create relevant and appealing content suitable for audiences. She wrote a blog post on the topic from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) National Conference earlier this month in St. Petersburg, Florida.

ASBPE.org, the organization’s national website, shared Barwacz’s blog post about her expertise pertaining to audience engagement on June 5, 2017, featuring it prominently on the homepage. ASBPE, a professional association for writers, art directors and designers employed in the press has more than 1,700 members.

Barwacz attended the conference as one of the five ASBPE Young Leaders Scholarship winners.

“Allison went above and beyond our expectations by shooting photos and taking notes on her laptop during each session,” says Amy Fischbach, president of the ASBPE Foundation. “The entire national board was impressed with Allison, and we were honored to have her as one of our 2017 Young Leader Scholarship winners. We hope that she will continue to be active in ASBPE, and we think she has a bright future ahead of her.”

Barwacz fully intends to apply the knowledge she gained from the conference to her work at North Coast Media.

“I’m honored to be named an ASBPE 2017 Young Leader, and the conference was an excellent way to gain insights from and network with B2B professional. Ren LaForme’s keynote on audience engagement related directly to what my colleagues and I do on a daily basis, so it was great to bring back some of those insights to North Coast Media,” Barwacz says.

Read Barwacz’s blog post: “How to develop an audience engagement strategy that works” from ASBPE.org, June 5, 2017

How to prepare for your new job

By: Bridget Ebner, Content Marketing Intern

Starting a new job can be scary, whether it’s your first job or your tenth. It’s completely normal to be nervous; you are entering a company that is new to you. Although it can be overwhelming, starting a new job invites more opportunities, expands your professional network and provides you further knowledge in your field. To help ease your nerves and focus on what’s most important, follow these tips for a successful transition to your new job.

1. Be on time.
It doesn’t matter how big your company is or how far from home your office is, it is crucial to always be on time. Being on time shows your coworkers and boss that you are a dependable worker. Being on time also indicates that you have respect for your coworkers and that you are ready to work. Your time management skills demonstrate that you take the job seriously, which provides assurance to your company that you will complete your work in an efficient and successful manner.

2. Dress to impress.
The saying, “You never get a second chance at a first impression” could not be more accurate. On your first day, plan to look polished and professional. This shows your coworkers and boss that you know how to appropriately act in a workplace environment. Don’t just give up dressing professionally once you get comfortable with your coworkers and workplace, because you never know whom you will meet outside of your company. You don’t have to dress like you are going to the Grammys, just be modest and comfortable.

3. Ask questions.
That question you might think is stupid and you are too embarrassed to ask could have an important answer you need to know. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because you are there to learn. You want to learn the ins and outs of your job, and continue to learn and better yourself throughout your career. It is also necessary that you are doing your job right, so instead of hesitating to ask for help, remind yourself that you must do your work correctly.

4. Get to know your coworkers.
Since you’ll be seeing them five days out of the week, it’s a good idea to get to know them personally. Discuss your interests and hobbies with your coworkers, because you may have the same interests. Forming bonds with your coworkers creates a positive and healthy environment, and will help you to have a more enjoyable day. Always remember to be polite and friendly to your coworkers, and offer a helping hand. See a coworker struggling with a software program on their computer? Take five minutes out of your lunch break to help them out. Keep in mind that you do have your own work to do, but helping your coworkers will improve your whole company.

5. Focus on your work.
Although mingling and enjoying your coworkers’ presence is a positive thing within a workplace, recall why you are at your job in the first place. You are there to work, as is everyone around you. Make sure to meet all your deadlines, because if you don’t you’ll appear to be unprofessional and will be hindering your company and its clients. When completing a task, put your best effort in. The more time and effort you put into your work, the better the outcome will be.

Take full advantage of your new job by learning as much as you can. Your new job will continue to provide you with more learning experiences and chances at bettering your career. It’s good to be nervous, because it shows you care about your position, but keep in mind that you don’t want to be too overwhelmed. Remind yourself why you are at your job, and put the best effort you can into your work.