Barking up the Right Tree: Canine Review’s Got Reason(s) to Celebrate

by Anh Chu

It’s a dog’s life for the team at Canine Review (a purebred dog magazine for breeders, judges, handlers and dog lovers). The magazine is entering 2008 on a series of high notes—a 30th anniversary; arrival on Chapters’ shelves nationwide; the spearheading of Canada’s first Virtual Dog Show and to top it off, a nomination for Best Special Interest Dog Magazine by the Dog Writers Association of America Awards.

Publisher Merla Thomson admits that Canine Review’s 30th anniversary is “pretty wild.” With age comes wisdom, and as luck would have it, 30 years of experience have manifested in tangible ways for the special interest magazine.

“We are very excited about being in Chapters,” says Thomson. “Along with the excitement comes tremendous challenges as we attempt to satisfy the casual reader without compromising our focus on competitive dogs,” she explains. A few small changes such as clarifying dog show lingo should further increase the magazine’s accessibility to new readers.

With an online presence established in 1996—a time when most companies still hadn’t realized the Internet’s potential—Thomson continues to innovate with the creation of Canada’s first Virtual Dog Show. Exhibitors can enter photos of their dog in the online event to be “judged at breed, group and Best In Show levels—just like at a real show.” A tradeshow component will showcase vendor booths and promotions, and Canadian Kennel Club accredited judges will donate their time and expertise. “Though this sounds like a simple project, software/database requirements, IT resources, sales, design and fundraising require a lot of resources and planning,” explains Thomson. But she is confident the results and exposure will be well worth it.

Canine Review’s website (www.canine-review.com) acts as an information vehicle, but most importantly, it compliments the print magazine as an important brand extension. Thomson emphasizes that while they grow their online offerings, she recognizes that “people still want to feel it, read it and soak it in.” The quality of the print product and the digital additions are what give Canine Review enduring appeal.

It demonstrates the harmony of print and online—the theme of this year’s Alberta Magazines Conference, an event Thomson looks to for fuelling more inspiration and feedback for her magazine. “[The Alberta Magazines Conference] offers an invaluable opportunity to dialogue with colleagues and bounce ideas off of one another. More often than not, these discussions spark new ideas and different ways of looking at old challenges,” she says. Keep an eye out for Canine Review and we’ll watch for you at the Alberta Magazines Conference.

An Un-stuffy Conference? You betcha!

In the famous words of rapper Eminem, “Guess who’s back, back again?” It’s the Alberta Magazines Conference March 6th & 7th—back with a line-up you’ll want to line up for.

Where do we even begin? At the Thursday gala mix and mingle with industry folk, find out who wins the newly minted Editor of the Year Award, bid at our live auction, and be entertained by noted magazine writer Chris Turner (author of The Geography of Hope and Planet Simpson) and other performers.

Friday is also jam-packed—choose from 12 skill-building seminars presented by magazine experts like Jason Brightman, web director of PC World and MacWorld; Charlene Rooke, editor of Western Living magazine; Kim Machado, General Manager of CanadianBusiness.com and many more. Don't forget all the noshing in between--attend breakfast; enjoy lunch with keynote Jason Brightman; and unwind with a wine & cheese where winners of the Alberta Magazines Showcase will be announced.

Register online at www.albertamagazines.com. Early-bird deadline is Feb 11, 2008.

Snap, Subscribe & Win! Contest Winners

Congratulations to Joanna Klimowicz (pictured left) of Edmonton who subscribed to FreeFall magazine and wins the grand prize of a two-night bed and breakfast at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, courtesy of Travel Alberta.
Congratulations also go out to Kim Showman of Acme who subscribed to Western Horse Review and wins the second prize of a one-night stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, courtesy of Travel Alberta.
Thanks go out to all those who entered the contest during Read Alberta Magazines Month and to Travel Alberta for supporting a vibrant and diverse Alberta magazine industry.

Job Opportunities

Editor – Alberta Country magazine
Alberta Country is a bi-monthly consumer, controlled circulation newspaper-size magazine for busy, affluent country dwellers who need inspiring, authentic and smart information on realizing their dream life. Alberta Country’s coverage is modern, gives easy to digest solutions to country living, crisp content on lifestyle and issues, and also has witty commentary on entertainment, trends, real estate, people and destinations.

Responsibilities include:
- Working closely with publisher to develop, investigate and generate new topics
- Writing and editing feature articles, news updates and departments for all publication
- Editing and proofing all editorial content
- Working with and coordinating with production to ensure appropriate design, art and layout to meet scheduled deadlines
- Reading and evaluating material submitted for publication
- Participating in planning editorial calendars
- Networking with the industry

Qualifications:
- The ideal candidate should have 2 to 4 years of print writing and editing experience, ideally in a magazine or newspaper environment publishing under regular deadlines
- Proven ability to work with a small team in a busy environment
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in an organized manner
- Ability to work to tight deadlines
- Strong attention to detail
- A good understanding and feel for acreage living.

Please contact the publisher at ingrids@efirehose.net

Thanks to all candidates but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Editorial position - TannerYoung Publishing Ltd.
Individual with strong written, communication and organizational skills required for part-time/full-time position with online and print magazine. Must be proficient on the Internet and possess a keen eye for proofreading.
Interested applicants can email a resume to: marie@tanneryoung.com or fax to 780-448-0424.

Account Executive – Venture Publishing Inc.
Venture Publishing, the award-winning publisher of Alberta Venture, Unlimited, Tracks & Treads, Open Mind, Food for Thought, Grip, Alberta Innovators and Your Health magazines, is seeking an account executive to build advertising sales for our flagship business magazine, Alberta Venture.

Major responsibility: to maintain existing and build new advertising relationships. This position requires a results-oriented and experienced sales performer who will service existing accounts, prospect for new clients, grow advertising and sponsorship revenues, foster community and industry relationships and develop new business for our publications. The appropriate candidate should have a minimum of three years of related and relevant experience with selling intangible products, preferably in the advertising industry. Post-secondary education is an asset but the proven ability to succeed is mandatory.

Our fast-paced magazine publishing company offers challenging work, competitive compensation, a great work environment and personal growth opportunities. A superior work ethic, team focus and ability to laugh are mandatory.

The position is based in the Calgary sales office. It offers a base, commission, bonuses based on performance and a comprehensive benefits package. Interested applicants should email resumes to amcgillis@albertaventure.com

Managing Editor – Venture Publishing Inc.
Venture Publishing, the award winning publisher of Alberta Venture and Unlimited magazines, is seeking a Managing Editor to develop titles in its contract magazine division.

With a degree in journalism and several years’ experience in editorial roles, candidates will have core writing and editing skills. Internally, candidates must be able to manage schedules, editorial budgets and be a strong team player. Externally, you will need excellent client skills, working with the Associate Publisher, Contract Magazines, to ensure that each issue of a client’s magazine meets their communication and marketing objectives. Client projects include print magazines and online editorial, and experience in the latter would be advantageous. Additionally, but not exclusively, Venture Publishing is interested to hear from candidates with a background in reporting or editing for industrial titles.

Venture Publishing offers a stimulating and challenging working environment, competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Interested applicants should email resumes to ddavis@venturepublishing.ca