A team of professional trainers is launching a free quarterly magazine to reach potential course takers. Inventively named, TakingCourses will initially focus on programs available in the Greater Toronto Area. The first issue, with a print run of 48,000, debuts Nov. 18 and will be distributed in the GTA at locations like The YMCA, Loblaws Markets, Mountain Equipment Co-op and public libraries. Street distribution is through Torstar Direct Services’ 1,435 ‘Dream’ boxes.
There are two types of advertisers: course givers – which include the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (cooking and ‘beverage appreciation courses’), Loblaws (also cooking), George Brown Community College and TVO’s Independent Learning Centre (remote learning) – and general advertisers such as Weight Watchers and Pizza Pizza. The one-time rate for a full-page tabloid ad is $4,000. Taking Courses Ltd., co-owned by Linda Partner and publisher Douglas Chaddock, is planning regional growth. An Ottawa issue will launch with a spring edition, as well as a Hamilton edition, followed by summer launches for Oshawa, Ont. and the Niagara region.
