The Alberta government is investing in the province's magazine publishing sector as part of its ongoing commitment to preserve Alberta culture, help created more jobs, and diversify the economy.  

That's good news for Sherry Shaw-Froggatt the Publisher of airdrielife Magazine which has served the Airdrie community for 15 years now.

The government announced that over the next four years, an additional $219,000 a year will support Alberta magazine publishers.  The funds will help grow a sustainable magazine publishing industry in Alberta and help them hire talented professionals, develop intellectual property and create quality products.

Shaw-Froggatt sits on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association and says the money is much appreciated and will be well used.

"It's great to see the government putting this extra funding into the Alberta magazines industry.  As one of the board members, it's our role to decide how we can leverage this investment for consumer and trade (like airdrielife) publications, that don't currently get provincial funding. How will we leverage this, everything from increasing the number of internships we're able to offer.  Myself at airdrielife magazine, I hire an intern every six months with grants I'm able to get.  If I can increase that, or have a second intern in a different capacity.  I hope the investment will be leveraged in that way."

Preserving the culture of Airdrie, and actually helping it thrive, is very close to Shaw-Froggatt's heart.  She says in the 15 years she's published the magazine, she feels they've done a good job of doing that and also of celebrating Airdronians.  

"airdrielife is all about celebrating the community and I think in the last 15 years we've done a good job of doing that.  My favourite thing I head people telling me is 'I had no idea about X-Y-Z, or so and so', or 'that's my neighbour' and 'what a cool story.'  That's the best part of what the magazine does.  It celebrates the people in our community."

Alberta publishers deliver 1.8 million copies of Alberta magazines to readers each year.  Alberta's magazine publishing industry produces nearly 200 titles annually.  

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