It's a magazine focusing on local grassroots efforts to revitalize the Buffalo area. Thrive! is the brainchild of Orchard Park native Kyle Patterson who hopes to take the concept across the country. YNN's Mark Gruba reports.

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Kyle Patterson is working on the next issue of Thrive! Magazine. It's a bi-monthly publication started in 2007 with a focus on the Buffalo region.

“The idea came from wanting to harness the power of media to influence our community for good,” said Patterson, who is the magazine’s editor.

Articles on the arts, business, social justice and faith are among the choices for readers. Patterson, an Orchard Park native, attended Bible college and says his faith is tied to the values based magazine with a focus on local grassroots efforts to improve the area.

“This is kind of like a channel to spread the message of hope to our community,” Patterson said.

He has been working on Thrive! fulltime since 2009. His wife Juliana, a staff of six writers, a graphic designer and sales person help bring it to life. The publication is available in grocery and book stores and has a few hundred subscribers.

Patterson settled on the name Thrive! because it captures the essence of what he's trying to do, help the Buffalo region be revitalized and thrive.

The magazine has found a niche with non-profit and grassroots organizations. Patterson would like to diversify and broaden his readership and take the concept to other cities as a voice for cultural reformation and community transformation.

Paterson said, “Really the goal is to call our readers to action, to do something, to be the change that we want to see in the world.”

In that way Patterson feels Thrive! offers a unique alternative for readers.