By Dan Chiodo, Publisher

The Joplin Globe

First there was newspaper. Then there was online. Now it’s magazines. What is the Globe going to get into next? Who knows? Our job, as we see it, is to provide the appropriate medium to inform you about things you need and want to know. We’re like explorers—continually searching for new ways to touch your life.

A big part of developing the magazine you’re now reading was talking to people about what they’d like to see. We held a focus group, which is always a great way to get helpful input. What they wanted seemed best suited for a magazine. We were right. What a success! Just mention PROFILES to folks you see. They like it.

Part of the joy of my job is watching the enthusiasm of our PROFILES team. They can hardly wait until they put out the next edition. And when readers and advertisers like what they see, it makes publishing it even more fun.

Our first attempt at magazines was Branson’s Best Read Guide. We purchased the franchise ten years ago and have circulated between 850,000 and 1,000,000 copies per year.

Next we developed House to Home. That great front cover you see, by the way, is developed by our own folks here at The Globe. If you haven’t seen it, take a look. You’ll find yourself seeing ideas you’ll want to try for your own place.

As for Body and Mind, people have been telling us that we should publish something pertaining to health. This magazine is especially helpful at the beginning of the year when you are making those New Year resolutions. This magazine can help you go beyond resolutions and help you make a positive fitness lifestyle change.

To do a magazine like PROFILES, you have to have the right editor, and that is Rebecca Spracklen Kanan. You may remember that many years ago she was the reporter who went “Around the Globe in 80 Days” for us to help celebrate our 100th anniversary. How lucky we are that she was excited about taking up the challenge to lead our new endeavor.

You will also hear the name Shelly Ramsey, who is the advertising leader for this magazine. She has been busy sharing ideas with business people in the area.