As a typical New Yorker, Gina Giannone did not know most of her apartment neighbors.
More than 20 years ago, she moved to Connecticut. She rented in Westport, then bought in Greenfield Hill. She discovered she liked land, and quiet.
But she still didn’t know her neighbors.
One day, she received Greenfield Hill Neighbors in the mail. The magazine was all about people doing interesting things — right in her (metaphorical) back yard.
Today, she knows many neighbors — and not just in Greenfield Hill.
That’s because she owns Hello Neighbors, which publishes Westport Coastal Neighbors, Fairfield Coastal Neighbors, Greenfield Hill Neighbors and Easton Neighbors.
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall was on a recent cover of Westport Coastal Neighbors.
The magazines mix stories about families, events and non-profits, with sponsored content.
(The difference between “sponsors” and “advertisers,” Giannone says, is that “sponsors care about their community. Advertisers just want to sell.”)
The company that owns Hello Neighbors has determined that 4,000 homes is the sweet spot for reader engagement. That’s why it’s “Coastal Westport Neighbors,” and not just “Westport Neighbors.”
So if you haven’t seen Coastal Westport, you’re probably not close enough to the coast.
Giannone hopes to add another “Country Westport Neighbors” soon.
Meanwhile, she is learning a lot about Westport: the people here, the generous spirit, the arts heritage, the strong “moms” network, and more.
Spread the news!
Gina Giannone, enjoying her work.
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That sounds fabulous. When I moved here, I really enjoyed my weekly Minuteman press and Westport newspaper. Now Always very thankful that 06880 is keeping us in the know. Best of luck …. it sounds very creative interesting👏
Where do you get it? I’ve never seen it?
I get the Westport magazine , but I feel removed from the people in it
Hi Linda – it is distributed to homes via postal service. If you can get me your address, we can add you. Helloneighborsfairfieldcounty.com ( I don’t think I can publish my email address here.)
Gina‘s publications are really great for getting to know your neighbors and what’s going on in your neighborhood! She is also a new member of the Westport Sunrise Rotary club and she had a fantastic feature on our recent Great Duck Race, in the June issue of Westport coastal neighbors!
Thank you Katie. It’s a pleasure working with such a wonderful organization that Rotary is, and so fun to be involved with the Great Duck Race this year and hopefully for many years to come! xo
I’m totally speechless reading in 06880 that “the man with the plan” Carl Addison Swanson SHS ‘66 got an A in 11th grade chemistry. I dropped the class because the teacher didn’t ring the bell (in the looks department). I did, however get an A in Biology. What Mr. Skib lacked in looks he made up for in humor. He once spent class explaining the difference between radial and bilateral symmetry by illustrating the locations of their respective rectal orifices using a starfish in comparison to a human.
“The difference between “sponsors” and “advertisers” is that “sponsors care about their community. Advertisers just want to sell”” made me LOL!
Indeed. When Winston cigarettes “sponsored” The Flintstones, I’m sure it was all about “caring for the community” rather than trying to flog cancer sticks.
As a Westporter, who lives in, and owns one of the last Mom shops in downtown Westport. People may not realize the retail climate has become very challenging with the internet. As a business owner who contributes to our community and also advertises took “The difference between “sponsors” and “advertisers” comment to be a disparaging remark and unnecessary.
When I read this, I cringed a bit too! Like any interview, the concept was shortened and not given the length needed to explain. I appreciate Dan Woog and the opportunity to be featured. Sponsors care about their community and brand their business, which is what we do through the publication and frequency/consistency of being present. Advertising is a direct response type of product such as direct mail. Both have places in a full marketing plan. Consumers do tire from a “buy from me” message. Most retail businesses already benefit from branding through their signage. Giving back to the community, which you do, puts you in a special place in the heart of your customers. We find consumers make decisions based on shared values: are you good at what you do; are you part of the community; do you give back in some way. By sharing educational content and bringing the community their own publication, you are giving back! We try to uplift everyone with our positive and important content. All the best, Gina