2026 MEDIA KIT

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!

I​f 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