Congratulations are in order for Art Niedosik, SDM Associate Publisher and Eastern Regional Manager, who announced his retirement effective September 30^th after an unparalleled 40 year career in business-to-business media. Art joined SDM in 2004 and was quickly recognized as an outstanding professional with unequalled client service capabilities. As a result, sales in his region grew over 80% during his tenure while his handicap dropped three strokes. “He made the number one magazine even more number one,” said Mark McCourt, Publisher.

As a result of his outstanding performance, Art was offered several promotions at BNP Media but was too smart to accept them. “Not a chance of my falling for that bag of troubles,” said Art. “I called Mark and convinced him to be my boss so I didn’t have to be one.” Mark fell for Art’s ruse.

Upon news of Art’s retirement plans, Mark sought some form of revenge. Informing Art he was truly irreplaceable, Art was required to replace himself prior to departing. Art handpicked his longtime colleague, Tara Schelling, as his successor. Tara will join the company on September 6^th.  

Tara brings a rich background of outstanding sales and service in business to business media including leading media organizations Chilton, Penton and Hanley Wood. Tara recently represented another security media brand where she gained a firm understanding of the market, developed strong customer relationships and made a significant and successful impact.

“I have known Tara for nearly 30 years as a colleague and a competitor. She consistently works at a very high level for her customers to ensure they achieve their advertising and marketing goals,” said Art. “She is the commensurate professional and I would not retire if I were not completely comfortable in her abilities. Well, I would still retire.”

“Darn right he would. This job is mine!” commented Tara upon hearing of Art’s waffling on retirement. “Art has been a great friend and colleague. He has not only been an outstanding professional at BNP Media, but he has also been very active in the business publishing community devoting his time and expertise to our industry. Clearly it is time he move on and make room for me.”

At the same time, due to the organization’s many new and innovative product offerings, it presented an opportunity to better serve our customers through reorganization. “The market dynamics and timing made sense for us to have each sales manager represent our entire solution set, including both SDM and Security. Many of our advertising solutions stretch across our brands. This will make it easier for our clients and, in many cases, their advertising agencies to work with one point of contact” said Mark McCourt, Group Publisher. The new sales organization structure includes:

• Doug O’Gorden, Midwest Regional Manager will also manage Eastern Canada, Western New York and Western Pennsylvania.
• Chris Ward, will continue as Security’s Associate Publisher with sales responsibilities for Security and SDM in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
• Tara Schelling will manage sales for both SDM and Security in the Northeast states.
• Kent Beaver, Western Regional Manager will continue managing the western states and British Columbia.
• Heidi Fusaro, Inside Sales Associate, Classified and Help Wanted Advertising.
• Jackie Seigle, Online Media Manager, Queen of all things “e”

“Art’s retirement is a true milestone for us. He was our silent, team captain and although retired, will always be member of our family,” said Group Publisher Mark McCourt. “At the same time, this reorganization enables us to provide new service levels to our clients and will save millions in golf and entertainment expenses for the company.”

The entire Security Media Group team thanks its customers, partners, contributors and colleagues for a very successful year. We look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming ASIS Conference.