Distinctly Montana Magazine

'TIL YOUR GOOD IS BETTER AND YOUR BETTER IS BEST." ~ST. JEROME Publishers "Good, better, best. A NOTE FROM THE T HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! his issue of marks one full year since we took ownership and be- gan new careers as publishers of . Our goal at the time was to warp the last 10 years of editorial content into a new and (we hoped), refresh- ing "take" on the Montana lifestyle. We did this first by creating content sections in the magazine which we felt encompassed a broad range of reader interest in "all things Montana." Our vision blossomed into "Wild & Scenic," Art & Culture," Dining & Diver- sions," "Home & Hearth" and "People & Place." Next, we began adding the endless variety of stories and features which our talented editor, Valerie Harms, mysteriously but dependably conjures from her cornucopia of Montana writers and artists. Finally, we added the considerable ar- tistic energy of Robert Rath, whose magazine layout often surprises, captivates, and charms the editorial board—and, we hope, you the reader. WHERE DID ALL THIS TAKE US? If you're a collector, this issue brings you through page 400 of our year-long effort. We have taken you hiking, biking, and ski-joring, explored the state from the trail- head at Billings to the majesty of the Bitterroot, and onto the watery expanse of the Flathead. We have enjoyed NEVER LET IT REST. inviting you on our own ad- ventures as we have shared our finds on everything from fine food and great art to sapphires and well-honed crafts. There have been introductions to wolverines and owls, ranch- ers and rascals, and forays into fiction and poetry—all Montana "born and bred." We have added a new Web site, newsletters for Montana- philes and advertisers, and an online take with redirects (DMd) right from our printed edition. WHERE TO NOW? Well, we do have ideas around more great content, starting in this issue with our new, regular feature: "Montanans You Should Know." We also want to make a bigger effort to connect with what our readers are thinking and saying about life in the Treasure State. And, finally, we want to continue to work hard to bring you the most interesting and fun-filled reader content of any publication in the state. It was good. It's gotten better. Stay tuned for the best. Anthea George, Publisher anthea@distinctlymontana.com Bill Muhlenfeld, Publisher bill@distinctlymontana.com WHAT OUR FRIENDS ARE SAYING "I came across the Distinctly Montana magazine we brought home from our holiday to the USA in December 2010 and January this year. We have all been reading Distinctly Montana cover-to-cover to recapture the magic of our holiday. We are using it now to plan the different ski areas we will take in next time." TRACEY McGOWN, Brisbane, Australia "Distinctly Montana is a good source for business for us, which is why we advertise in every issue." MARCO DeFALCO, MONTANA RUGS, Bozeman "Distinctly Montana is a beautiful, quality magazine that presents our ads so well. We enjoy the relationship with the staff who are truly proactive business partners working for our success." LESLIE BLAIR, Manager Marketing & Planning, BILLINGS CLINIC 10 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • AUTUMN 2011 D M D istinctly Montana

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