WILMINGTON MEDIA + MARKETING
2026
MEDIA KIT
MISSION:
CREATING COMMUNITY, OPPORTUNITIES, AND INFORMED AUDIENCES THROUGH TRUSTED PUBLICATIONS, DIGITAL OFFERINGS, AND CONNECTIVE EXPERIENCES.
VISION:
TO BE THE MOST TRUSTED CONNECTOR IN THE WILMINGTON REGION, FOSTERING GROWTH FOR OUR AUDIENCES, CLIENTS, AND TEAM.
VALUES:
INTEGRITY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITH RELIABLE INFORMATION AND SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES INNOVATION CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING AND EXECUTING ON NEW IDEAS TO FULFILL OUR MISSION COLLABORATION MAINTAINING A SUPPORTIVE, COOPERATIVE, AND FUN WORK ENVIRONMENT
W
hen you want to reach the people shaping Southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington Media + Marketing helps you do it through the region’s most trusted brands and events. You’ll connect with business leaders, community influencers, and engaged consumers through high-quality publications, digital offerings, and live experiences. Every channel works together to expand your reach, strengthen your credibility, and keep your brand top of mind. With us, you’re not buying ads, you’re building relationships. Our team helps you match your message to the right audience, craft creative that stands out, and measure the impact of every campaign. You get the confidence of working with a partner who knows this market and the flexibility to grow with it. Wilmington Media + Marketing gives you the reach, relevance, and results that only a local media partner can deliver.
reach relevance
results
building relationships Are the people you want to reach running businesses, leading teams, and driving growth in Southeastern North Carolina? The Greater Wilmington Business Journal puts your message in front of the region’s decision makers and thought leaders. These are the owners, executives, and professionals who influence budgets, partnerships, and long term strategy. They turn to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal for insight, credibility, and context on what is happening in the local economy. When your brand shows up alongside that trusted reporting and those conversations, it gains visibility where decisions are made and reputations are formed. Advertising here gives you a seat at that table, positioning your company alongside the ideas, leaders, and innovations moving Wilmington forward. Our team helps you do more than place an ad. We help you tell your story, strengthen your reputation, and build meaningful visibility within the region’s most influential network.
leaders AUDIENCE in 32,000+ Readers New Hanover, Brunswick &
Pender Counties
90%
Business Owners or Executives
from 87% Graduated College
84%
Household Income More Than $100,000
51%
Contacted a Company Because of a Business Journal Ad in the Past Year
REACH 13,000+
Daily Email Subscribers
17,000+
Facebook Followers
4,900+
LinkedIn Followers
66,000+
Unique Visitors To The Website Per Month
162,000+ Web Page Views Per Month
founders innovators
PUBLICATIONS: TRUSTED CONTENT STARTUP STAGE
(SPARK TEASE, GOOD AS IS) ILM’S LOW-COST AIRLINES EXPANSION
GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL Monthly publication with news and insights to guide smart business decisions.
FOREIGN FUNDS MANUFACTURING INVESTMENTS
Wilmington B iz M A G A Z I N E
WILMINGTONBIZ MAGAZINE Quarterly magazine with in-depth stories and striking photography. BOOK ON BUSINESS Annual publication with top lists and data to inform and connect businesses.
PRIME
TIME AMAZON’S HOLLY SULLIVAN ON OPENING NEW FACILITIES JOBS CORRIDOR: BUILDING OUT U.S. 421 PULLING FOCUS: NARROWING IN ON FILM Published by
greater Wilmington
BUSINESS JOURNAL Wilmington-Biz-Mag-FALL25_CVRS.indd 1
FALL 2025
9/4/25 1:21 PM
EVENTS: THAT CONNECT & INSPIRE POWER BREAKFAST SERIES Quarterly event that brings local leaders together to share ideas and grow.
HEALTH CARE HEROES Awards event that shines a light on the people who care for our community.
WILMINGTONBIZ AFTER HOURS Easy way for local pros to meet people, make real ties & grow their network
COASTAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS Awards event that honors local founders who build strong ideas into real growth.
SPARK ILM Local business conference where people learn, grow, & make new connections.
WILMINGTONBIZ 100 Private party to recognize the movers and shakers on the annual Biz100 list.
DIGITAL: SMART. FAST. NEWS. BUSINESS JOURNAL EMAILS Twice daily newsletter updates and exclusive, sponsored email blasts. WILMINGTONBIZ.COM Trusted site for breaking business news and research on local happenings. INSIGHTS Sponsored content where local companies can communicate in depth with Business Journal readers.
shaping the future
When you want to reach women who are shaping the future of Southeastern North Carolina—at work, at home, and in the community—WILMA gives your message the platform it deserves. Our readers are leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and active consumers who seek ideas, inspiration, and connection. They turn to WILMA for authentic stories about local women, meaningful causes, and the best of what our region offers. Partnering with WILMA lets you align your brand with empowerment, leadership, and lifestyle. It’s not just advertising, it’s joining a community of women who make decisions, influence others, and invest in the people and places they love.
leadership AUDIENCE in 60,000+ Readers New Hanover, Brunswick &
Pender Counties
89%
Between the ages of 25 & 64 (the decision makers at home & work)
86% Attended College 88% Own A Home 69%
Frequently Purchase Items Advertised In WILMA
REACH 10,800+
Instagram Followers
319
Leadership Institute Alums
3,140
Leadership Accelerator Attendees
428
Women To Watch Award Finalists
373
Mentor/Mentee Matches
lifestyle
PUBLICATION: STORIES THAT SHINE.
WILMA
LEADERSHIP + LIFESTYLE SINCE 2003
WINTER 2025
WILMA MAGAZINE Quarterly magazine that celebrates successful women in our region with a range of profiles, leadership lessons and lifestyle stories.
Renee ClausonRivera Cultivates Business Photographing Helene Castle Street Looks
wilma_WINTER25_CVRS.indd 1
10/16/25 12:14 PM
EVENTS: ENERGY YOU CAN FEEL. WILMA DASH An all-female 5K that brings women together to compete, cheer, and build community. ELEVATE & CELEBRATE Fun, quarterly gatherings for making authentic connections.
DIGITAL: FRESH FACES. REAL STORIES. EMAILS Twice weekly newsletter updates and exclusive, sponsored email blasts. WILMAMAG.COM The go-to site where women find local stories, fresh ideas, and community connections. INSIGHTS Sponsored content where companies can share their expertise with WILMA readers.
IN JUNE 2015, WILMA MAGAZINE LAUNCHED THE WILMA LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE WITH THE MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN TO LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE AND PURPOSE. LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Gives up-and-coming women a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills. WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS Spotlights regional women who are the change-makers in our area.
LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR Wilmington’s leadership and career development conference for women. MENTORING Relationships offer support, chances for growth, and invaluable advice.
WILMA NETWORK A network of women and businesses who support our mission. GET ON BOARD Offers training to develop leadership skills, make new connections, and volunteer in the community.
eat, drink celebrate!
If your brand belongs where Wilmington eats, drinks, and celebrates, FEAST Wilmington puts you in the center of it all. This multi-day culinary festival brings together chefs, restaurants, beverage makers, and thousands of food lovers for a weekend of taste, entertainment, and discovery. or sponsors, it’s a chance to connect directly with high-spending F consumers, hospitality insiders, and regional tastemakers. The people who drive dining and lifestyle trends across Southeastern North Carolina. Through on-site activations, digital promotion, and media coverage across our platforms, FEAST Wilmington turns brand exposure into engagement you can see, taste, and feel.
tastemakers AUDIENCE 82%
Earn $75,000+
86% Graduated from College Feast Met or 92% Said Exceeded Expectations
REACH 18,000+
Email Subscribers
12,000+
Insta Followers
3,000+
Annual Attendees
insiders consumers
EVENT: ONE WEEKEND. PURE FLAVOR. FEAST FEST Food festival that brings chefs, fans, and makers together to share taste and build community.
DIGITAL: OUR LOCAL FOOD INTEL. FEASTWILMINGTON.COM Source for event news, chef updates, and all you need to plan your Feast experience. FEAST UNWRAPPED Twice monthly newsletter updates and exclusive, sponsored email blasts.
how to live well
hen you want to reach the audience that drives growth in real estate, W healthcare, dining, and community giving, Good Life Wilmington puts you directly in front of them. Our readers and viewers are active, social, and invested in enjoying and improving life along the Carolina coast. They look to Good Life for ideas on where to go, what to do, and how to live well in every season. Advertising with Good Life Wilmington connects your brand with an audience that has both the means and the motivation to act, whether that means planning their next home project, exploring local destinations, or supporting businesses that serve their lifestyle. We help you reach them through stories, experiences, and touchpoints that feel as authentic as the community itself.
active AUDIENCE $350
Million annual spending on dining and hospitality among local retirees
spent annually $560 Million by local retirees on healthcare & wellness services
annual spending $300 Million on home improvement and lifestyle upgrades
REACH 107,000+
Combined Brunswick + New Hanover 65+ population
22.3%
Brunswick population growth 2020-2024, driven by retirees moving in
104%
Brunswick County 65+ population doubled since 2010
social invested
PUBLICATION: LIFE. ENJOYED HERE. GOOD LIFE MAGAZINE Annual publication with resources and perspective for retirees and people looking to retire in the Wilmington region.
DIGITAL: EXPLORE & THRIVE GOODLIFEWILMINGTON.COM Fresh stories and local finds for active seniors that add joy to retired life. DIGITAL INSIGHTS Content space where partners share their own stories and guide readers with their expertise.
2026 GWBJ EDITORIAL CALENDAR ISSUE DATE
AD SPACE DEADLINE
SPECIAL SECTIONS
IN THE ZONE
LISTS
JANUARY
1/9/26
12/12/25
2026 Economic Trends
Downtown/Central Biz Dist.
General Contractors & Architecture Firms
FEBRUARY
2/6/26
1/13/26
Workforce & Recruiting
Leland
Mortgage Firms & Colleges
MARCH
3/6/26
2/10/26
Hampstead
Largest Employers & Financial Planners
APRIL
4/3/26
3/10/26
Law
Wrightsville Beach
Law Firms & Accounting Firms
MAY
5/1/26
4/7/26
Coastal Entrepreneur Awards
Surf City
Hotels & Event Facilities & Attractions
JUNE
6/5/26
5/12/26
Tech Wilmington
Southport
Web Developers & Computer Tech Support
JULY
7/3/26
6/9/26
Creative Economy
Mayfaire
SBA Loans & SBA Lenders
AUGUST
8/7/26
7/14/26
Education
Pleasure Island
Retail Centers & Commercial Real Estate Agencies
SEPTEMBER
9/4/26
8/11/26
Soda Pop District
Hospitals & Physician Groups
OCTOBER
10/2/26
9/8/26
Burgaw
Banks & Credit Unions
NOVEMBER
11/6/26
10/13/26
Riverlights
Homebuilders & Residential Real Estate Agencies
DECEMBER
12/4/26
11/10/26
Porters Neck
Fitness Centers & Marinas & Interior Designers
Manufacturing Feast Wilmington
Hospitality & Leisure
Nonprofits & Fundraising Spark ILM Elections Spaces & Places Health Care Heroes Coastal Issues
2026 BIZ MAG EDITORIAL CALENDAR
SPRING SUMMER FALL
ISSUE DATE
AD SPACE DEADLINE
ISSUE FOCUS
APRIL
2/19/26
Real Estate
4/29/26
Health Care & Retirement
JUNE
Women Who Mean Business Marketing Section
SEPTEMBER
7/30/26
Economic Development & Innovation
WINTER
DECEMBER
10/19/26
Wilmington Biz 100
2026 WILMA EDITORIAL CALENDAR ISSUE DATE
AD SPACE DEADLINE
ISSUE FOCUS
Women Who Mean Business Marketing Section
MARCH
1/20/26
Influencers
SUMMER
MAY
SPRING
3/23/26
Health & Wellness
FALL
AUGUST
6/23/26
Women To Watch Awards
WINTER
NOVEMBER
9/8/26
Style
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR EVENT MONTH* AFTER HOURS
February, April, July, October
POWER BREAKFAST
March, June, September, December
ELEVATE & CELEBRATE
March, May, August, November
FEAST WILMINGTON
March
WILMA DASH
May
COASTAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
May
LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR
July
WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS
September
SPARK ILM
October
HEALTH CARE HEROES
November
BIZ100
December
*Event Dates Subject To Change
the power of local Your story deserves the right audience. Partner with the region’s integrated marketing platform. Every brand has a story worth telling, and the right audience waiting to hear it. Through Greater Wilmington Business Journal, WILMA, FEAST Wilmington, and Good Life Wilmington, you have access to the region’s most trusted marketing channels all under one roof. Whether you’re looking to build awareness, strengthen credibility, or drive measurable results, we’ll help you craft a plan that fits your goals and connects your message with the people who matter most. Our team lives here, works here, and believes in the power of local connection. When you partner with Wilmington Media & Marketing, you’re not just running an ad, you’re investing in the growth of the community we share.
connection Let’s start building your next campaign.
LET’S CONNECT! MARKETING@WILMINGTONBIZ.COM