The 10 Best Magazine Publishing Companies to Work For

Here’s Publishing Executive’s look at what makes these companies such great places to work.

The “Best Magazine Publishing Companies to Work For” list is Publishing Executive’s annual ranking of companies that seem to embody the philosophy that a company’s employees are the key to its success. But being a great company isn’t just about offering a great benefits package (though that certainly helps). The companies that made the list this year create environments where employees are valued and respected professionally, but they also work to help enhance employees’ personal lives. Whether it’s through bonuses, fitness centers, sabbatical programs or super-flex flex time, these companies go the extra mile to keep their employees happy—and it shows.

1. GIE Media

www.GIE.net

U.S. Headquarters: Richfield, Ohio

CEO: Richard Foster

GIE Media publishes nearly 20 b-to-b trade publications (such as Garden Center, Today’s Medical Developments and Snow Magazine) and Web sites, and manages conferences in various industries.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 10

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 2%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: No

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/Yes

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 65%

• Maximum match: 6%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 13

• Paid time off (PTO) includes: vacation, sick and personal time

• Vacation days available after 1 year of employment: 10

• Maximum # of vacation days: 25

• Sick days: 6

• Personal days: 4

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Both. Covers home Internet access, phones, supplies, etc. Employees must work on-site periodically.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: Yes

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise/fitness facilities: Gym.

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Paid family crisis time (up to several weeks)

• Adoption assistance/time off

• Tuition reimbursement

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Paid time off for community service

• Recognizes 10- and 20-year anniversaries with family vacations or cash equals

• Sabbatical program

Why GIE thinks it’s a great place to work:

“GIE Media treats people fairly in their professional and personal lives. … The company benefits are such that it truly is in everyone’s interest to succeed. The culture of management does not waver from its commitment to being a small company interested in every detail of [employees’] business and personal lives.”

2. San Diego Magazine

www.SanDiegoMagazine.com

U.S. Headquarters: San Diego, Calif.

President: Jim Fitzpatrick

CurtCo/SDM LLC produces the monthly San Diego Magazine, a semi-annual wedding publication (Exquisite Weddings), as well as more than 25 custom publications.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 9

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 17%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 50%

• Maximum match: 5%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 11

• PTO includes: vacation, sick and personal time

• Vacation days available after 1 year of employment: 10

• Maximum # of vacation days: 15

• Sick days: 5

• Personal days: 2

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: High-performing sales reps are able to telecommute one day/week.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: No

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: Yoga classes twice/month at lunch.

Other benefits:

• Free fresh fruit, coffee and popcorn.

• Monthly company pizza/sandwich luncheon

• Flexible work hours

• Domestic partner benefits

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee of the month ($100) and year awards

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Flexible to accommodate personal/family commitments and appointments

• Employee/team charity participation

Why San Diego Magazine thinks it’s a great place to work:

“Our company believes in rewarding creativity, passion and hard work. We hire the best talent, empower them to make their own decisions and reward them for producing a great product.”

3. Cahaba Media Group

www.CahabaMedia.com

U.S. Headquarters: Birmingham, Al.

President: Walter B. Evans Jr.

Cahaba Media Group publishes two national monthly trade publications, Pumps & Systems and Construction Business Owner; two Web sites, Pump-Zone.com and www.ConstructionBusinessOwner.com; and several e-newsletters.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 6

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 0%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/Yes

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: discretionary annual contribution (1% of company revenue is contributed to the plan)

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 8

• PTO includes: one bank of time for vacation, sick and personal

• PTO available after 1 year of employment: 12

• Maximum # of PTO days: 15

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Editors can work from home several days/year.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: No

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: No

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Free fresh fruit/candy

• Section 125 Cafeteria plan, allows employees to avoid paying income tax on dependent-care expenses.

Why Cahaba Media Group thinks it’s a great place to work:

“A strong focus on core values, and an emphasis on attitude and having a great company culture combined with great talent and a solid business model have generated stellar results. We set out to create a great place to work rather than just the most profitable. We discovered that having a great place to work attracts great people, weeds out poor performers, and therefore delivers great financial results.”

4. McMurry

www.McMurry.com

U.S. Headquarters: Phoenix, Ariz.

CEO: Chris McMurry

McMurry offers marketing communications services, including custom publishing, to clients such as GlaxoSmithKline, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. and CVS Caremark, as well as resources to 10,000+ corporate professionals.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 29

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 10%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/Yes (equal for all employees)

401(k) or 403(b) savings program: No

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 0

• PTO includes: one bank of time for vacation, sick and personal

• PTO available (immediately after hire): 24

•Maximum # of PTO days: 34

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Available on a case-by-case basis.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: Yes

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: On-site gym (Saratoga Springs location).

• On-site fitness programs: Yoga, strength training, weight loss, cardio-fitness, others.

Other benefits:

• 100% paid maternity leave for six weeks

• $800 toward home nurse, cleaning and/

• or breast-feeding supplies; lactation room

• Company-paid domestic-violence leave

• Subsidized fitness-membership costs

• Adoption assistance

• Domestic partner benefits

• 100% company-paid dental plan, covers bleaching and other cosmetic services

Other programs that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Spot recognition awards (spa treatments, weekend getaways), among others

• 5, 10 and 15 years of service receive $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000, respectively

Why McMurry thinks it’s a great place to work:

“McMurry has a values-based culture that guides everything we do, the very best staff to be found anywhere, and the freedom to do great work.”

5. Jameson Publishing

www.JamesonPublishing.com

U.S. Headquarters: Erie, Pa.

CEO: Jim Roddy

Jameson Publishing (JP) produces national IT trade magazines, such as Business Solutions and Integrated Solutions, and generates more than $13 million in annual revenue.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 15

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 8%

• Bonus/incentives for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 100% (max.: 6%)

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 13

• PTO includes: vacation and personal time

• Vacation days available after 1 year of employment: 10-15 (varies, per experience)

• Maximum # of vacation days: 15

• Personal days: 6

Telecommuting/flex time: No

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise facilities: Access to on-campus fitness center.

• On-site fitness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Adoption assistance (paid leave)

• Tuition reimbursement

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• All-expenses-paid annual trip (e.g., Cabo San Lucas) awarded to 13 staff members and their significant others

• Paid bereavement leave

• All employees get paid overtime

Why JP thinks it’s a great place to work:

“Because we know [that] company leaders and our co-workers sincerely care about us, we …enjoy working toward our common goals.”

6. Renaissance Publishing

www.RenaissancePublishingLLC.com

U.S. Headquarters: Metaire, La.

CEO: Todd Matherne

Renaissance Publishing LLC is locally owned by Todd Matherne, Errol Laborde, Kelley Faucheux and Alan Campell. It publishes six magazines—New Orleans Magazine, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, Louisiana Life Magazine, On Stage, New Orleans Bride and St. Charles Avenue Magazine—and more than 10 custom titles for various clients.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 8

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 10%

• Bonus or incentive program for all em-

• ployees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing

• Program: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: N/A

• Maximum match: 10%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 9

• PTO includes: vacation and sick time

• Vacation days available after 1 year: 5

• Maximum # of vacation days: N/A

• Sick days: 5

Telecommuting/flex time: No

• Option to work compressed weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: No

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: No

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Supports employee career development • • efforts and association membership costs

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Supports various local charities

• Flexible to allow for family commitments

• Employees’ families invited to company

• events throughout the year

Why Renaissance thinks it’s a great place to work:

“We provide an uplifting, optimistic environment for employees to shine. We encourage input from all employees on how to effectively make our business successful and a great place to work.”

7. Onboard Media

www.Onboard.com

U.S. Headquarters: Miami Beach, Fla.

President: Robert Eichner

Onboard Media is an integrated media company for the global travel industry. Its services include: publishing, port shopping programs and custom TV programming. It is the exclusive publisher of in-cabin/in-room publications for many top cruise lines and hotels, including Celebrity, Princess, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Caesars and Bally’s.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 16

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 13%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 50%

• Maximum match: 3%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 8

• PTO includes: one bank of time for vacation, sick and personal time

• PTO days available after 1 year: 15

• Maximum # of PTO: 30 days

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Flexible schedules. Employees can modify schedules to work from home certain days of the week. Eligible employees work at home/remotely.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: Yes

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: No

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: Brown-bag lunch programs on wellness/health.

Other benefits:

• Discounts to nearby restaurants

• Domestic partner benefits

• Tuition reimbursement

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Paid time off for community service

Why Onboard thinks it’s a great place to work:

“Onboard Media is unique because of the incredible people that work here. Our culture and unique environment is not only what propels us and drives us to succeed—it’s also what makes this a fun and enjoyable place to come into work each day!”

8. Hanley Wood LLC

www.HanleyWood.com

U.S. Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

CEO: Frank Anton

Hanley Wood LLC serves the housing and construction industries with four operating divisions that produce magazines and Web sites, trade shows/events, rich data and custom marketing solutions.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 248

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 19%

• Bonus/incentives for all employees: No

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 0%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 12

• PTO includes: vacation, sick and personal time

• Vacation days available after 1 year: 10

• Maximum # of vacation days: 20

• Sick days: 10

• Personal days: 2

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Determined on an ad-hoc basis.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: Shower facilities (Washington),  and free fitness center (Chicago)

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Discounts at local gyms

• Same-sex domestic partner benefits

• Tuition reimbursement, mentoring program

• “Spot bonuses” of $100-$5,000 awarded

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• “Frank Days”—offices close for an extra day on holiday weekends (named after CEO Frank Anton)

Why Hanley Wood thinks it’s a great place to work:

“We are surrounded by supersmart co-workers who encourage creativity and productivity in a great office setting with senior leaders who care about both our individual and the company’s success.”

9. The BIC Alliance Inc.

www.BICAlliance.com

U.S. Headquarters: Baton Rouge, La.

CEO/Founder: Earl Heard

Publisher of BIC magazine, BIC Alliance is a marketing and matchmaking firm for industrial service companies and original equipment manufacturers. BIC delivers its clients’ messages through networking, advertising/editorial copy campaigns, trade show participation, referrals and direct mail of BIC magazine, which has 100,000+ readers in the United States and is accessed online by readers in 77 countries.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 16

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 20%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: No

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/No

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 100%

• Maximum match: 3%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 10

• PTO includes: vacation and sick time

• Vacation days available after 1 year of employment: 5

• Maximum # of vacation days: 30

• Sick days: 5

Telecommuting/flex time: No

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: No

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: No

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No

Other benefits:

• Off-site holiday party for employees and their families

• Potluck Thanksgiving dinner

• Tickets to local sporting events

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Restaurant and hotel gift certificates given periodically

• Annual weight-loss challenge for employees and their families

Why BIC Alliance thinks it’s a great place to work:

“BIC Alliance is a small company with a big family feel where management supports employees in both our professional and personal lives.”

10. Active Interest Media Inc.

www.AIMMedia.com

U.S. Headquarters: El Segundo, Calif.

President/CEO: Efrem Zimbalist III

AIM is a consumer enthusiast media company that produces print (such as Yoga Journal, Vegetarian Times and Black Belt), events and online products. It produces videos and books, 12 log-home shows and 24+ building seminars. It also owns Show Management, which produces the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, among others.

Overview:

• Number of new hires*: 110

• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 2%

• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: Yes

• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/Yes (discretionary)

401(k) or 403(b) savings program:

• Employer match: 100%

• Maximum match: 3%

PTO:

• Paid holidays/year: 10

• PTO includes: vacation, sick and personal time

• Vacation days available after 1 year: 10

• Maximum # of vacation days: 15

• Sick days: 8

• Personal days: 3

Telecommuting/flex time:

Highlights: Telecommuting, flex-time, work-at-home options at managers’ discretion.

• Option to work compressed work weeks: No

• Employee Assistance Program: Yes

• On-site exercise and fitness facilities: Gym, shower facilities (El Segundo, Boulder)

• On-site fitness/wellness programs: On-site yoga classes daily (San Francisco)

Other benefits:

• Domestic partner benefits

• Tuition reimbursement

• Spot recognition bonuses

Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Publications support industry charities

• Show Management division shuts down for two weeks over the winter holidays

Why AIM thinks it’s a great place to work:

“AIM … enables team members to combine personal passions with their professional lives. Its [staff members] are both media professionals and deeply involved in the yoga, outdoor, home-building, marine, martial arts, art and healthy living industries.”

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