In business since 1887, WJI provides quality publications and related products and services to the maritime industry. The company’s focus on the inland and intracoastal waterways serves a stakeholder group which operates 25,000 barges and more than 3,800 towboats.

Spencer is now publisher of Great Lakes/Seaway Review. Here is a brief introduction to the new owner and what’s to come.

GL/SR:
As a third-generation maritime publisher, please speak of when you were introduced to Harbor House Publishers.

Spencer:
From the second generation! My Dad introduced me to Greenwoods Guide shortly after I joined The Waterways Journal in 2003. At the time, I was prospecting for new advertisers and looking for ways to add information to our annual directory for the inland rivers, Inland River Guide. He had been talking to Mr. Greenwood about taking over the book. Our history with Greenwoods extends past Harbor House, but it was a foot in the door to learn more.

GL/SR:
As publishers of The Waterways Journal, which covers commercial marine activity on inland and intracoastal waterways, what does it mean to you to add the Great Lakes/Seaway region and its big ships to your maritime offerings?

Spencer:
We have always been fascinated about all things maritime, and the Great Lakes is no exception. I still vividly recall riding a ferry to Mackinac Island as a kid and being amazed when we spotted a Great Lakes ship in the distance. Getting a closer look will be fun!

Beyond the fascination, we get to expand our services to a historic and vital industry. It is gratifying to be able to tell the story of marine transportation, share its value with the public and honor the mariners who make it their career. We feel fortunate to be able to extend that service to the Great Lakes.

GL/SR:
What changes can stakeholders expect to see in this magazine in months and years to come?

Spencer:
I don’t expect any big changes to the magazine’s content or design, but we are always listening to our readers and looking for ways to improve. You may see a few new contributors to the masthead. We do plan on adding some digital products, so you can expect to see more web content and perhaps an e-mail newsletter in the future to supplement print.

GL/SR:
Given this opportunity, what message would you like to share with the region’s maritime stakeholders?

Spencer:
The new owners share the values and enthusiasm for maritime as past owners. We are taking over titles that have been in Michelle or her father’s hands since 1969, and while it will most certainly take time to develop similar relationships, we are intent on doing so. We have been serving maritime since 1887 and you can count on us to serve your trade media needs for many years to come.

GL/SR:
Harbor House has also been involved in custom publishing for various government entities and organizations. Do you foresee this type of publishing expanding in the maritime industry and, if so, how?

Spencer:
We are in a unique position to be able to offer our own content via highly regarded, and historic, media products, but also share our expertise with select customers. There is a growing need for custom content and custom media services, and we are ready to serve. So, yes, I do think we will grow our custom publishing business with maritime clients. We can leverage our experience in producing content and delivering that content via many mediums, and they are not limited to print.

GL/SR:
Do you have anything to add?

Spencer:
I have enjoyed working with Michelle Cortright and our new team in Boyne City, Michigan. As a third-generation publisher, I understand the importance of continuing this legacy – for the staff and many stakeholders who have counted on our partnership for more than five decades.

Michelle has been a great resource as she plans for and aids in the ongoing transition. But while ownership is new, the vision and day-to-day handling remains consistent. I’m looking forward to this adventure and to meeting you soon.