May 9, 2008 -- The What's Up? Publishing Group, a leading publisher of print media serving the greater Annapolis region and Maryland's Eastern Shore, announces that it has signed a joint marketing partnership agreement with Ads Next™, providers of local internet advertising solutions. Both companies are based in Annapolis, Maryland.

"Technology is having a profound effect on the way we consume content," says What's Up? Publishing Group President Veronica Tovey. "With more than one billion commerce-driven local internet searches, it's imperative that we move into the digital media arena if we are to stay on top. The expertise provided by Ads Next™ is helping us transition into a leading digital media provider. We intend to provide fresh online content with interactive experiences for our Web site visitors, combined with digital advertising services for our advertisers. One goal for this partnership is to offer combined local print and Internet advertising solutions to local businesses."

"The local online advertising market is expected to grow 48% in 2008 to 12.6 billion. The What's Up? Publishing Group has a long standing relationship with local businesses, and now they can offer an online advertising component with their local print ads," says Ads Next™ President Brian Burns.

Changes to What's Up? Publishing's corporate structure as a result of the Ads Next™ partnership include a digital media focus with the launching of a new Web site, www.WhatsUpMag.com, using web 2.0 techniques; a weekly E-newsletter; digital advertising services; Web site development services; E-marketing solutions, and a staff dedicated to digital media.

The website will feature a searchable business directory with geography mapping technology; a regional restaurant guide with reader reviews; interactive local events and music section; Blogs and content marketing features; advanced banner tracking, and more.

"I am excited about this partnership. Together, we can capitalize on the tremendous growth in this market and help local advertisers at the same time," says James P. Burns, an investor in Ads Next™

Company Backgrounds:
What's Up, Inc. (www.whatsupmag.com)
The What's Up? Publishing Group publishes five glossy print magazines, including two lifestyle magazines, What's Up? Annapolis and What's Up? Eastern Shore that reach 96,000 upscale households in greater Annapolis and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Its latest publication, What's Up? Weddings was launched in February.

Ads Next™ (www.adsnext.com)
Ads Next™ is a local internet advertising company located in Annapolis, Maryland. To help clients succeed in the rapidly changing advertising market, Ads Next™ offers a unique 360° website promotion, tracking, and results solution.