Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine Hires 5 to Support Vision & Growth

Traverse City, Mich. (PRWEB) November 11, 2007 -- Recently named "Magazine of the Year" by the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA), Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine (www.traversemagazine.com) announces several new significant hires. The most recent additions to the Traverse team include projects account representative Kim Kibler and web associate Michael Thompson. Earlier this summer, Traverse added assistant editor Emily Bingham, marketing director Rachel North and marketing coordinator Suzi Bicknell.

"These hires support our evolving vision to be a resource for both readers and advertisers," says Deborah Wyatt Fellows, president and editor in chief at Traverse.

? Kim Kibler--Joining Traverse from WTCM-FM and Newstalk 580, Kibler has 21 years of marketing and sales experience. Kibler has been appointed advertising representative for special projects, which includes the forthcoming Best Doctors special issue, online advertising sales and special programs for key industries.

? Michael Thompson--After working as a freelance website designer, Thompson joins Traverse's team as web designer. With his extensive knowledge and experience in web design, Internet usability and programming, Thompson will play a key role in expanding Traverse's presence online.

? Suzi Bicknell--Bicknell, a recent graduate of Central Michigan University, completed an internship in promotions and community relations with the Traverse City Beach Bums professional baseball team. She joins Traverse as the marketing coordinator. Bicknell has taken a key role in coordinating events, managing e-mail newsletters and trafficking trade advertising, along with assisting Traverse's marketing director with ongoing marketing initiatives.

? Emily Bingham--A 2005 graduate of Michigan State University's journalism program, Bingham freelanced for two years before accepting her position with Traverse. During college, Bingham interned for two summers with Traverse and has returned to join the publication's award-winning editorial team. As assistant editor, Bingham edits the Up North section, reports on arts and entertainment and writes several features stories each year.

? Rachel North--Before joining the team at Traverse, North managed her own marketing consulting company, Northern Insights. She has 20 years of experience in marketing, including work with Ford, GM, Ralston Purina, Solutia, Olin, CMS and Simmons. As marketing director, North is a critical part of the team responsible for the growth and development of circulation, advertising revenue and visibility.

"While our magazines are extremely well read in Michigan, they also reach beyond our Michigan borders, connecting people in all 50 states and many countries to the livable communities, unique businesses and gorgeous landscape of Northern Michigan," Fellows says. "Our new web presence, new print products and increased interactive communications will offer some exciting new ways to build on that legacy." Traverse expects to launch a new website early in 2008.

"These new hires will help an already talented and extraordinary team continue to lead our industry," Fellows says.

About Prism Publications, Inc.

Prism Publications, Inc., founded in 1981 by Deborah Wyatt Fellows, publishes Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine, Northern Home & Cottage and Destination Northern Michigan, a Northern Michigan travel guide, in addition to several other print and online publications. Traverse and its staff have won more than a dozen national and international awards for excellence, including most recently "Magazine of the Year" from the International Regional Magazine Association and a 2007 silver award for general excellence from the City and Regional Magazine Association. Prism has also published Reflections of a Life Up North, (www.traversemagazine.com/gift-gallery.htm) a coffee-table book of stunning photography from Traverse paired with a collection of Fellows's columns, which has been reprinted in an expanded edition. Prism Publications is also a proud sponsor of many events including the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, the Michigan Log & Timber Expo, The Epicurean Classic and the National Cherry Festival's Cherries D'Vine event. The privately held company is headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. For more information, visit traversemagazine.com (www.traversemagazine.com) or call (231) 941-8174.

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