LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., July 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Network Communications announced today that Gina Christman, who retired from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, has resumed her role as publisher effective immediately. Christman retired in May after 23 years with Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles to form a magazine marketing consultancy. The magazine's previous owner, Wiesner Publishing Co., immediately retained her to serve in that capacity.
Network Communications acquired Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles in May, along with six other Wiesner publications, including Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, Mountain Living, Log & Timber, and To The Trade.
"I guess you can say I retired for about 18 minutes; however, it was 'full speed ahead' when I met the Network Communications leadership team, who mapped out an aggressive plan to invest in and grow Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, as well as solidify the company's overall position as the leader in the affluent home design and lifestyle space," said Gina Christman, publisher, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. "It became more than just marketing at that point, and I wanted to be involved in this new growth dynamic."
Christman and her team will implement a brand strategy in the next 12 months that allows for targeted growth in both involved and responsive readership, as well as the continued development of advertising relationships that provide maximum return on investment.
"Network Communications' Home Design Division is the largest group of local home and lifestyle publications in the country," said Dan McCarthy, CEO, Network Communications. "We have every intention of continuing that growth and Gina's appointment is another step our company is taking to ensure that we have the best management in place to fulfill our strategy."
"We are extremely pleased to have Gina at the helm of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. The title's ongoing momentum reflects the great leadership and guidance that has always been the hallmark of her tenure as publisher," said Adam Japko, president, Home Design Division, Network Communications. "Having Gina's understanding and great affinity with the dynamics of the Atlanta market will serve the magazine's readers and advertisers well as we ensure that the title best serves their information and marketing needs."
"I am impressed with NCI and the direction in which the Home Design Division is headed. The mission is clearly focused," said Christman, citing increased resources and an entrepreneurial-based business plan. "Although Atlanta has become a highly competitive magazine market, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles dominates in the home and lifestyle milieu. All of us on staff excitedly accept the challenge to take the magazine to amazing new levels."
About Network Communications, Inc.
Network Communications, Inc. is the leading publisher of printed and online real estate information in North America. The company was acquired by Citigroup Venture Capital Equity Partners in January of 2005. Its magazines are read by over 12 million readers in over 500 markets and deliver more than one million leads to advertisers each month. Network Communications' assets, The Real Estate Book(r), Apartment Finder/Blue Book(tm), Mature Living Choices(r), CorporateChoices.com(r), Black's Guide(r), New Home Finder(r), Enclave(tm), Unique Homes(tm), Kansas City Homes & Gardens(tm), Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, Mountain Living, Log & Timber Style, and To The Trade include publications that millions of readers around the country turn to when looking for the latest information about the real estate and home design markets. Online magazine content can be accessed at www.livingchoices.com.