News & Extras

Latest News from Stratton Publishing & Marketing

Leading Assocation Publications Tap Stratton Expertise

As the demands of the down economy force publications to refine operations, Stratton offers advice on how to plan strategic improvements for long-term growth.

In a recent Associations Now article, "The Formula for Publications Growth," President Debra Stratton explained that association publications often underestimate their innate strengths and advertising potential.

"Too often, association publications tend to abdicate their market to commercial publications," she told the publication. Instead, she suggests they leverage their industry credibility, which offers their advertisers direct visibility to business decision makers.

Among her other tips for improving profitability in bad economy: hone the positioning of the publication, streamline production, and continue marketing. "To me, this is a time to look at where you can invest and lay groundwork so when the economy does come back, you're well positioned," Stratton said.

In "Cause for Scrutiny," which appeared in the latest issue of Association Publishing, Stratton also was consulted for advice on how to perform an internal publications audit when funds are tight.

In addition to explaining the key elements and assessment areas necessary for a successful audit, Stratton offered up some of the Angerosa Research Foundation's benchmarking data for comparing publication expenses. Stratton Senior Consultant Robert Rainier also advised readers to assess advertiser perceptions and perform a competitive market analysis in order to form an "objective gauge of your commercial opportunities and obstacles."

Stratton Work Recognized at Industry Competitions

Stratton's redesign of AWWA Streamlines earned a 2009 Silver EXCEL award.

Keeping with its tradition of producing award-winning publications for clients, Stratton continues to rack up publishing honors in 2009. Most recently, Communication Concepts recognized Stratton’s work on Passenger Transport, American Public Transportation Association, with an APEX Grand award.

Stratton redesigned the tabloid biweekly newspaper to convey a more modern image and stronger brand identity. Designers also created a new companion e-version of the publication and a PT Extra e-alert that provides updates between print issues. Earlier this year, the designs received a Bronze award from Association Trends magazine for most improved magazine or journal.

In addition, Assisted Living Executive, Assisted Living Federation of America, earned an APEX Award of Excellence among custom-published magazines and journals for superior editorial and design quality. Stratton custom publishes the magazine, directing all editorial, design, ad sales, circulation development, and production of the publication, which serves more than 20,000 senior living community executives. This is Stratton’s fifth award for its work with ALFA.

In June, Stratton earned a Silver EXCEL general excellence award from Association Media & Publishing (formerly Society for National Association Publications) for designing AWWA Streamlines for the American Water Works Association. President Debra Stratton and Art Director Janelle Welch, along with Streamlines Editor Mary Parmelee, accepted the award at the 29th EXCEL Awards Gala on June 4 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.

The project was the result of Stratton’s Communications Needs Assessment of the 58,000-member organization. Stratton designed the lively integrated e-newsletter that consolidated several existing publications. Streamlines was designed to present a quick read in key subject areas, with links to additional information.

For a complete list of Stratton’s recent award-winning work, visit our Awards page.

Latest Publishing Solution Preps Pubs for Recovery

As the recession continues to challenge publishers, Stratton has launched a specially priced Media Kit Rescue Package to better position publications for increased ad sales revenues in 2010.

The need for an effective media kit will be crucial in 2010. Armed with an organized and thorough sales piece, publishers can go head-to-head with competitors for scarce ad revenues now, and be ahead of the curve once the market rebounds.
 
Stratton’s Media Kit Rescue Package offers associations a customized, research-based, professionally designed sales tool. The firm’s award-winning media and communications team will conduct a mini reader research survey to ensure advertisers know the depth of readership as well as readers’ purchasing authority and professional needs, and a market review for positioning the publication for success. The complete, four-page kit will be written and designed by Stratton's art and editorial team, including 4C charts on strongest data and effective sales messaging.
 
For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Learning By Design Increases Frequency

In an effort to raise the visibility of outstanding educational facility design, Learning By Design magazine will present two awards programs and publish two editions in 2010—a General Excellence Edition in April and a Special Edition with a focus on green design and technology in October.

Published by Stratton Publishing & Marketing in cooperation with the National School Boards Association (NSBA), Learning By Design’s expanded frequency responds to reader feedback  that confirmed increased interest in the magazine and educational design best practices. Additionally, the expanded design competition gives architectural firms that specialize in educational facilities two opportunities in 2010 to showcase their best work and gain national recognition.

The expanded frequency also gives firms that work in the education market the opportunity to raise their visibility before more than 65,000 education decision makers as stimulus money—earmarked for educational facility modernization and construction—lands in pre-K to 12 and college/university budgets nationwide.

“This is the perfect time for Learning By Design to expand frequency and increase visibility for the nation’s most innovative educational design projects, especially with our new focus on the latest in sustainable design and new technologies,” says Co-Publisher Debra Stratton, who is also president of Stratton Publishing & Marketing. Stratton Publishing partners with NSBA to publish the magazine in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects, CEFPI, APPA, the National Center for Educational Facilities, and other organizations that seek to enhance the learning environment for pre-K to 12 and college/university students nationwide.

For more information, visit Learning By Design online.