For the third time in four years, Business Publications Corp. Inc. (BPC), publisher of Business Record, dsm and ia magazines and our BPC Custom division, has been named one of Ten Publishers to Watch by Editor & Publisher magazine. To be recognized multiple times is an unprecedented honor. BPC founder Connie Wimer and I want to thank you – our readers and sponsors – for your continued support of our products and of local journalism. 

To be recognized by E&P, the authoritative voice of news media since 1884, just as we’ve celebrated our 40th anniversary of the Business Record and the 20th anniversary of dsm magazine, is especially meaningful. In 2020 and 2022, we were recognized for innovation and excellence during a time of disruption, including the pandemic and a volatile business climate. This year, BPC was specifically noted for our ongoing digital transformation, product evolution and 40-year legacy of strength and stability through a changing journalism landscape. 

Why does this recognition matter to you, our readers and supporters? At BPC, everything we do is focused on providing you with high-quality news and information delivered to you how you want and on what platform you prefer. While we do not do our work to win awards, to be recognized by E&P is affirmation that we are leading the way in serving you now and taking the right steps to be your trusted source of information in the future. As E&P noted, we have done this through:

Digital Transformation: E&P cited our continued digital evolution, which we invest in to provide you with the news and information you want on the most convenient and efficient platforms. In particular, E&P noted: the redesigned and relaunched Business Record website, which offers improved design and functionality; enhanced digital newsletters; growth of both the Business Record and dsm websites traffic; increase in our social media channels; a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system; and new digital offerings and packages. In addition, we’ve added team members with digital experience and expertise who are elevating our digital presence and helping us reach new audiences and engage our existing readers.

Product Evolution: E&P recognized our success in evolving our flagship products as well as our innovation in adding new offerings to provide our readers with news you want and need. In addition to our ongoing excellence with Business Record and dsm and ia magazine products and events, we’ve added and enhanced numerous initiatives in the last few years, including: Envision Iowa, Iowa Stops Hunger, Fearless, dsm Home Design Awards, the LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards, Lifting the Veil mental health series; and dsm Discover Diverse Des Moines. This year, we’ve launched dsm Season Preview and ia Season Preview, speciality newsletters that provide a curated look at what’s coming up each quarter. 

A legacy of innovation and excellence started by founder Connie Wimer. With the milestone anniversaries of Business Record and dsm magazine, we saw an opportunity to honor Connie Wimer for the commitment to excellence that began 40 years ago when she founded BPC to provide business news, and then cultural news and inspiration, to our community through niche publications. Her vision and high standards have been the beacons that inform our work. With our 20/40 celebration, we not only recognized Connie but introduced the News Changemaker Awards, which highlighted individuals and businesses who made headlines for making a difference in our community in 2023.

Thanks go to group publisher Chris Conetzkey and the entire BPC team. To receive the recognition as one of the nation’s top publishers from such an esteemed publication again this year demonstrates the strength, stability and continued growth we have been able to achieve during recent uncertain times in the media industry. Our ongoing innovation – as evidenced by our digital transformation and product evolution – is the direct result of our talented team. 

Under Chris’ leadership, our team has upheld Connie’s ongoing legacy and standard of excellence. Our executive leadership team is stellar, but being recognized for continued excellence is a true testament to the entire amazing team here at BPC.

Each single member of our staff contributes to our continued success through their individual skills, their commitment to the community and their teamwork.  

Our editorial teams bring years of experience and knowledge of the communities to the stories they cover. We have also hired new, younger writers who bring a fresh perspective and digital skills to our work. We continue to invest in top-notch copy editors, who make us all look better every day with their attention to detail and AP Style. 

Our design teams have clear visions for our brands and create clean, high-quality layouts and compelling images for each product. They package our content in ways that are both inviting but also accessible and understandable. Our designers, photographers and videographers help create visually stunning products. 

Our events team is key to our success. With over 35 in-person and virtual events a year, their high standards for creativity, communication and excellence create exceptional experiences for our guests, speakers, panelists and honorees.

Our sales and production teams bring years of experience working with clients to help them achieve their goals for visibility with their target audiences. Our account representatives and production professionals are solutions-oriented, creative yet organized professionals who care about finding the right print, digital, event or sponsorship vehicle to help clients reach their markets. 

Our business office and operations team works each day to deliver an exceptional experience internally to our team and externally for our vendors and customers. From technology to systems to accounting, this team is laser focused on efficiency and customer service.

After 40 years, we remain as committed to our mission as ever. At BPC, our mission is to “inspire, elevate and celebrate our communities through communication, connections and recognition.” Our talented team pledges to keep pushing ourselves to bring you the news and information you want, the way you want, through existing or new products, new or enhanced digital channels and new or improved experiences. We will continue to bring our communities together to discuss important topics and celebrate individual accomplishments – after all, our work is really for you and about you.

Thank you to YOU – our readers and supporters. Local journalism continues to have a vital role in keeping the public informed on important issues. BPC is pleased to play our part in providing information and opportunities for connection within our communities. We invite you to subscribe to our products and to attend our events, and we thank you for your ongoing support.