What is Ed Stelmach reading?

That's a question we, at the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, also had.

So, we decided to help Premier Ed Stelmach build his collection of Alberta mags, in case he wasn't aware that there are over 60 magazines that are part of AMPA, and over 200 publishing in Alberta alone.

Here are some quick facts about Alberta magazines:

• The Alberta periodical publishing industry encompasses nearly 200 magazines and nearly 100 scholarly journals.
• Based on Statistics Canada data, the estimated 2008 value of the Alberta magazine industry is $83.4 million in revenues.
• Based on the above value, the return on investment made in Alberta magazines by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for fiscal year 2008¨C9 was 179:1.
• The annual contribution made by Alberta magazines to the GDP (mainly of Alberta) is $106.8 million.*
• more facts can be found at whatisedstelmachreading.com
  

If you read and enjoy magazines, no matter if you're from Alberta or elsewhere, we urge you to send a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach to show your support of this vital cultural industry that provides jobs for a creative community of writers, photographers, designers, and more! It's an easy online form that will have an impact on the industry in Alberta.

Have a look and tell us what you think of our psychedelic campaign.

Alberta mags, now on Twitter

No fail whales here.....We're finally on Twitter!

Find out the latest Alberta magazines' events, promotions, and news by following @albertamags.

Or, follow us here:
http://twitter.com/albertamags

Read Alberta Magazines Month kick-off, Art Central, this Thurs

October is a busy month for Alberta magazines because, if you didn't know, it's Read Alberta Magazines Month!

Right now, we're busy prepping for our RAMM launch at:

Art Central, this Thursday, October 1st, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Calgary.

Exhibitors so far include: an arm wrestler from AirdrieLIFE; Nectar Desserts, Wild Rose Brewery, Alloy featured in Avenue (Calgary); fly-tying expert from Fly Fusion magazine; illlustrators from Vehicle magazine, and more.

There will also be a scavenger hunt with fabulous prizes, plus, free food, music, magazines :)

Come one, come all--this event is FREE and open to the public.

Remembering Gordon Morash

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Gordon Morash, who contributed to several Alberta magazines such as Alberta Views, Avenue Edmonton, Legacy and Where Edmonton. He died of cancer on August 28, and his memorial service takes place this evening in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Morash juggled writing (fiction, essays and arts journalism), editing (books, websites and educational materials) and teaching (creative, non-fiction and food writing). He participated at one of our Read Alberta Magazine Month readings, and wooed the crowd with his wit and style.

His obituary can be read here.