Local Roots, National Clout

We've got some very exciting news-again. Our family of publications, including Jacksonville Homebuyer, has been purchased by Malibu, Calif.-based CurtCo Media, owner of Robb Report, among other prestigious titles.

Of course, you've heard of Robb Report. You may even be a reader. This one-of-a-kind publication is known worldwide as the premier print resource for people who are interested in living life to the fullest.

CurtCo's other magazine properties include Worth, ShowBoats International, Robb Report Vacation Homes, The Robb Report Collection, Robb Report MotorCycling, Robb Report Luxury Home, Robb Report Home Entertainment and CurtCo's Digital TV.

Now Jacksonville Homebuyer joins this impressive roster, with many benefits you'll be hearing about soon for readers, advertisers and the communities we serve.

For the past two years, we've enjoyed unprecedented success here in the River City, culminating in a Laurel Award last year as "Best Magazine for Consumers." The Laurel Awards are presented by the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

Then, just when we thought things couldn't get much better, CurtCo entered the picture and gave us an infusion of national clout and access to a wealth of talented professionals who'll help us get even better.

Still, despite this ownership change, our local commitment remains rock solid. And our mission remains unchanged-to give as much information as possible to readers looking for a Northeast Florida home.

Toward that aim, this issue is perhaps the meatiest we've produced. Continuing for the second issue is our comprehensive condominium directory, launched in response to a growing interest in multifamily housing. Also we're looking ahead to 2005 in a roundtable discussion with industry leaders in the fields of building, development and real estate sales.

If there's anything you need to know about Northeast Florida that isn't in this issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer, then I'll be surprised. But, since I've been surprised before, I want to extend an invitation for you to call or e-mail us with any additional questions you may have. If we don't know the answer, we'll find someone who does.

In the meantime, thanks for reading.

Penelope Geismar

Publisher