Ad agency owners start regional pet magazine

The owners of Springfield-based ad agency Hudson Bryce are launching a quarterly publication for southwest Missouri pet lovers.

Tame Pet Magazine is slated to debut in early March, according to co-founder Connie Rhoades. She and Stephanie Ponder, owners of Hudson Bryce, started the magazine to combine their two passions, Rhoades said.

"Stephanie and I have always done things and events that supported animal rescue," Rhoades said. "This was an opportunity for us to do our advertising and marketing, which we love, and marry it to animals."

The magazine will be free at local distribution points, which the publishers are still seeking, and $16.99 for a one-year subscription by mail. A VIP subscription also is available for $21.99 and includes e-mail alerts, notices of special events and discounts at area businesses.

Rhoades and Ponder haven't set an advertising sales budget yet, but they hope to have a couple hundred subscribers on board by the end of the year, Rhoades said. A portion of both advertising and subscription sales will go toward animal rescue efforts.

Regular magazine features will include Pets in the Media, Food and Nutrition, Shopping for Your Pet, Veterinary Advice and Pet Profile. The Kid's Section of Tame will be written by a local student and feature a Q&A, activities and artwork submitted by students. Much of the content will stem from reader submissions, Rhoades said.

The magazine's Web site, www.tamepetmag.com, is set to launch in February.

Rhoades said she hopes to one day expand with region-specific versions of Tame in other markets.

Rhoades, Ponder and several other Hudson Bryce employees are producing Tame, in addition to contributing writers. Hudson Bryce started in July 2007 in Ozark and moved in March 2008 to 219 W. Commercial St., Ste. 104. The firm designs advertising for print, radio and TV.[[In-content Ad]]