The Alliance of Area Business Publishers named its 2024 Editorial Excellence Awards at a banquet in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday.
The winners are:
DESIGN CATEGORIES
1. Best Cover – Magazine
Bronze: Insight On Business; “Going for Gold (March 2023)”; Brian Rasmussen, Amelia Compton Wolff
Bright colors, a proud subject, and a humorous and conceptual take on success evokes a smile. The dramatically lit photograph, combined with a color palette that complements the subject’s retro attire, results in an outstanding visual pop of excitement. The choice of typography is creatively fitting for the playful theme.
Silver: Virginia Business; “A New Face at Work (November 2023)”; Richard Foster, Joel Smith The intense image is unsettling and immediately conveys the tone of concern for the
future of local work places and the implementation of AI. The type and design choices are simple and subtle. The cover implores thought as well as an emotional reaction.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; “Dallas’ Next Big Thing (August 2023)”; Hamilton Hedrick, Kathy Tran
The beautifully executed portrait of an executive with his bike is a casual and effective way to introduce a big civic project. The typography is large, bold, innovative, and a seemingly perfect complement to the photograph. Smaller type and graphic elements add balance and contribute to an outstanding sense of visual hierarchy. The result fresh, fun and full of excitement.
2. Best Feature Layout – Magazine
Bronze: Florida Trend; “Towering Uncertainty”; Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton
The image and headline treatment on the opening spread complement and reflect each other in composition and form. The visual relationship of the two superbly communicates an uncertain danger. The message is clear, straight to the point and extremely powerful. The subsequent pages are well organized with details, sidebars and interesting photography.
Silver: Biz New Orleans; “10 Top Real Estate Influencers”; Sarah E.G. Majeste
Colorful portraits wonderfully present people with loads of personality. The colors continue with type and text treatments that are fun, playful, and interactive, making it clear that this is a celebration. Thanks to great photography and terrific design decisions, each page maintains a high level of excitement. This feature really does an extraordinary job of entertaining the reader while honoring deserved influencers.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; “The Loop”; Hamilton Hedrick
Dynamic and conceptual type treatments, a beautifully entertaining and informative illustration, and a color palette that resonates with a greater purpose make this feature downright gorgeous. The page designs are creative and resourceful, flawlessly executing inventive text and image relationships from start to finish. The use of negative space is superb, and all of the attention to the tiny little details and graphic elements help make this feature a clear cut above the rest.
3. Best Overall Design – Magazine
Bronze: Florida Trend; Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton
Entertaining portraits and conceptually interactive environmental photographs grace the covers and beckon to the reader. Creative typographic design with a limited font set is fun and noteworthy. The page designs are consistently great from the colorful photography to the creative page compositions, to the smallest of graphic elements that bring visual joy to the design. The page designs, from features to trend lines, are thoughtful and well-executed.
Silver: dbusiness; Justin Stenson, Stephanie Daniel
Bold visual statements are made with the use of sophisticated and conceptual illustrations on topics like national debt, billionaires restoring local businesses, and the success of a local enterprise more than 100 years old. A sophisticated visual theme carries through the pages with relevant type styles, effective grid systems, and strong page designs. The overall design maintains a fantastic visual pace that is highlighted by elegant and colorful section openers. The high-end look and feel is wonderfully complemented with fun and creative visual solutions.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; Hamilton Hedrick
Stories on diversity, equity, inclusion, civic projects, industry leaders and power couples come to life through exquisite and quintessential visual storytelling. The design of this publication checks all of the boxes, with impactful and memorable covers, beautiful photography, impressive use of illustrations, innovative designs and a pioneering use of graphic elements.
4. Best Front Page – Newspaper
Bronze: Mainebiz; “Lewiston Levels Up”; Matt Selva
Daring typography placed into the image brings the downtown streetscape to life. The buildings appear to have been photographed at the right time of day to capture the best light. The bold visual approach feels fresh and stylish.
Silver: Indianapolis Business Journal; “Lofty Ambitions”; Sarah Ellis
Excellent use of the rocket infographic helps visualize the main package and communicate a key theme of the story. The limited color palette attracts attention while focusing emphasis on the important details. Having the rocket extend in front of the nameplate adds depth to the layout. Secondary visual elements on the page are well proportioned.
Gold: Crain’s Detroit Business; “40 Under 40”; Karen Freese Zane
The grid of strong portraiture provides an eye-catching and engaging entry into the page.
Typography is restrained and nicely done. Secondary graphic and other visual elements are well positioned to complement the main visual and create a dynamic layout.
5. Best Feature Layout – Newspaper
Bronze: Los Angeles Business Journal; “Museums”; Nina Bays, Marci Shrager, Pearl Beltran Turning the headline and text into a museum piece inside the photo yields a clever, eye- catching opening that instantly conveys the theme and is well-executed technically. The formal
balance and red hat on the viewer pull the reader right into the scene. Subsequent spreads are cleanly organized and do a nice job of showcasing the abundance of photos and architectural renderings.
Silver: Indianapolis Business Journal; “In the Spotlight”; Sarah Ellis
Documentary photographs capture a wide variety of details and are used well to help tell the story. The graphic on the final page explaining different film formats does a great job of supporting the package, as does the map of large-format theaters. All the elements are nicely arranged to help the reader move smoothly across the pages.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Best New Event Spaces”; Karen Freese Zane
A great selection of bright, energetic and strikingly dominant photos burst off the pages.
The elongated caption block on each spread adds interesting layering and dimension, and the grid layout makes the material easy to skim and digest.
6a. Best Overall Design – Small Tabloids
Bronze: Corridor Business Journal; Becky Lyons, Julia Druckmiller
Pages are designed consistently well with strong typography and subheads used to organize longer stories. The “Forty Under 40” layout offers a clean design with fun and relatable portraits of young professionals. The “Fashion Revolution” cover is bold and eye-catching, showing technical finesse in the portrait.
Silver: Greater Wilmington Business Journal; Suzi Drake
Covers are well-designed and draw attention to the lead story, while offering additional teases to direct readers inside. The visually driven “Economic Indicators” page is a strong feature at the front of the book, while “Business of Life” closes each issue. Design and type choices are consistent throughout, giving visual prominence to the portraits and occasional documentary photographs.
Gold: San Fernando Valley Business Journal; Nina Bays, Marci Shrager, Pearl Beltran High-end photography highlights the book from cover to cover, including strong documentary work, such as “Hope for the Unhoused” and “Labs on the Rise.” Covers are packed full of interesting information and graphic elements, giving readers much to consider on a single page. This mix of visual elements and typography makes every page feel vibrant and inviting.
6b. Best Overall Design – Medium Tabloids
Bronze: No award.
Silver: Mainebiz; Matt Selva
Covers and features are graced with conceptual and impactful visuals, such as “Selling Maine as a convention destination” and “Forces of Nature.” The use of large, bold typography delivers a sense of visual hierarchy, and the variety of bright colors, graphic elements and textures helps to make each page attractive and engaging. There is a consistent and unique look through the book.
Gold: Worcester Business Journal; Mitchell Hayes
Well-sized, informative images, particularly the stellar portraits, stand out as delightful visual elements. Illustration and graphics complement the pages and add entry points. Consistent headline and text treatments are sophisticated and easy to read, contributing to an overall beautiful package.
6c. Best Overall Design – Large Tabloids
Bronze: Crain’s Chicago Business; Thomas J. Linden, Karen Freese Zane, Stephanie Swearngin, Jason McGregor
Covers designs are thoughtful and unique, each with its own twist that fits the lead story. Section openers are dynamic and engaging, such as the gorgeous Equity portraits. The “40 Under 40” feature is well done, with strong photography integrated into the layouts. Bold photographs and conceptual graphics provide visual crescendos throughout.
Silver: Los Angeles Business Journal; Nina Bays, Marci Shrager, Pearl Beltran
Pages are full of graphic elements, innovative type and purposeful design that act as visual points of interest and invite readers to interact with each story. Special Reports, such as “Museums” and “Infrastructure,” use visuals to tell the story in a highly effective manner. Each issue is packed with information in an appealing, organized package.
Gold: Crain’s Detroit Business; Karen Freese Zane
Covers command attention and show good variety of visual approaches. Consistent, sophisticated page layouts and type treatment let readers easily scan every page, while impressive documentary images, portraits and illustrations provide intriguing entry points. Standout examples are “The Path to Opportunity” and “Removing Roadblocks.” Overall design does a fantastic job of delivering a lot of content in a beautiful way.
7a. Best Use of Photography/Illustrations – Newspapers
Bronze: Indianapolis Business Journal; Audrey Pelsor, Julie Kirkendoll, Sarah Ellis, Brad Turner
This entry exhibits a wide range of well-designed and creative graphics that show an excellent blend of storytelling and creativity — from the use of charcoal-like landscape to explain agriculture, to a rocket ship to explain the space industry, to an excellent mapping of major development projects. The photo packages on architecture and go-carts also show nice diversity in the approach to visual communication.
Silver: Crain’s Detroit Business; Nic Antaya, Quinn Banks, Karen Freese Zane
There’s a pleasing balance in the use of vertical portraits on the 40 Under 40 front page. The portraits are executed well, with good lighting techniques and the bold reds. Other photographs throughout the publication convey quality. Among the highlights are the photographs of post-prison life and the billboard lawyer. The entry also included a good mix of portrait and documentary photography.
Gold: Des Moines Business Record; Patrick Herteen, Lauren Burt, Kate Meyer, Duane Tinkey, John Retzlaff
The images in this entry are impressive and reflect deep involvement in planning with the visuals team. The collection of portraiture across multiple special packages, including the Women of Influence, Fearless and the Photo Issue among others, displays a high level of control and consistency. The “Fearless” special package contains a particularly excellent portrait series.
7b. Best Use of Photography/Illustrations – Magazines
Bronze: Florida Trend; Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton
Readers are easily drawn in by full-bleed photo spreads, including the creative “Child’s Play” opening photo illustration and the fun group portraits. Whether with ants, or underwater photography, or in memory of Jimmy Buffet, the full bleed images create impact. The use of the archival photos in “Watershed Moments” showcases great visual storytelling. There are many well-chosen images for the “Enabling Orion” story, one of several pages honoring the Space Coast.
Silver: Insight On Business; Brian Rasmussen, Amelia Compton Wolff
The entry is full of high-energy visual treatment for topics ranging from cows to fashion. The “Flash Forward,” “Going for Gold” and “Shine On” opening spreads showcase smart visual editing in collaboration with design. Documentary photos included on subsequent pages round out the visual storytelling.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; Hamilton Hedrick
High-quality photography is presented well, from stylized portraits, to action photos, to smart illustrations. Excellent lighting techniques are used throughout. There also is a wide diversity of visual approaches exemplified in the contrast between the stories “Power Couples” and “Criminal Records,” which are conceptualized with beautiful but very different visuals. Thoughtful mixing in of older photos also gave an extra storytelling dimension to the “Power Couples” layout.
ONLINE CATEGORIES
8a. Best Use of Multimedia
Bronze: Ottawa Business Journal; “STUFF video broadcast”; Terry Tyo, Michael Curran Virtual calls have become a common point of connection for news stories, and it is great for one to be produced with this much intentionality and visual appeal. The conversations throughout this stream felt conversational and practical, and they likely served as a great introduction to the magazine issue. The intro and outro portions of this video are especially engaging.
Silver: Crain’s New York Business; “Office lobbies go lush”; C. J. Hughes, Buck Ennis, Jason McGregor, Telisha Bryan
Office landlords are looking to make their spaces more appealing, and shelling out on amenities that aim to make them more like hotels. This piece uses text, video, and photographs to showcase how businesses are investing in spaces that once were an afterthought. Together, each element thoughtfully demonstrates the rethinking of the office lobby.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Crain’s Forum”; Stephanie Swearngin, Cassandra West, Judith Crown, Jon Asplund
Readers are immersed in the storytelling from the very first look. Full screen visuals and interactive graphics allow readers to play an active role in experiencing the story, not just reading it. The presentation and interplay of text and visuals, along with readers’ ability to fully control their involvement, do an excellent job of immediately drawing readers into the story.
8b. Best Podcast
Bronze: Indianapolis Business Journal; “The IBJ Podcast”; Mason King, Fabian Rodriguez This podcast distinguishes itself from other interview-based business podcasts through the personability of its host and the candid conversations he is able to have with a wide range of business leaders.
Silver: Springfield Business Journal; “No Ceiling”; Christine Temple, executive editor Excellent audio production and quality interviews help this podcast effectively spotlight women in the Springfield business community. The host does a great job of connecting with guests, allowing them to share personal stories of struggle and success.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Crain’s Daily Gist”; Amy Guth, Todd Manley, Steve Daniels, Danny Ecker, John Pletz, Rob Garcia
This entry features excellent audio production, incorporating a mix of soundbites from the field, interviews and natural sounds to bring listeners to the front lines of pressing stories, including the UAW strikes of 2023.
9. Best Daily Email
Bronze: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Crain’s Morning 10”; Aly Brumback
A strong balance of summarizing stories and not overwhelming readers with text, this email is great at giving the audience a useful product. Solid headlines and quick story summaries make this daily email easy on the eyes.
Silver: Biz New Orleans; “Biz New Orleans Daily Newsletter”; Rich Collins, Kelly Massicot From tipping at restaurants to Shark Tank stories, this daily email gives readers topics that everyone wants to talk about, click on, and most of all share with friends and family. The great balance of visuals and large text for hyperlinked headlines leads readers to the website. The shareability makes it likely to reach a broader audience, and could result in more subscriptions.
Gold: Business News; “Afternoon Wrap”; Sean Cowan, Mark Beyer, Mark Pownall, David Turnock, Claire Tyrrell, Jack McGinn, Tom Zaunmayr, Nadia Budihardjo, Isabel Vieira, Liv Declerck, Justin Fris
Readers can quickly get the news when they open this email each day. The efficient headlines and categorization provides something for everyone. Not only are the topics diverse, but promotion and embedding a podcast shows the variety of content, giving recipients a lot of options.
10. Best Specialty E-Newsletter
Bronze: Des Moines Business Record; “Fearless”; Nicole Grundmeier
Expanding on an initiative to feature more businesswomen in its storytelling, this e- newsletter is special and catered to what women want and need to know every day. The visual layout with bullet points makes it easy to scan for the top news. With a balance of need-to-know stories to leadership tips, there’s something for every woman.
Silver: Crain’s Detroit Business; “Crain’s Commercial Real Estate Report”; Kirk Pinho, Matt Pollock
When it comes to real estate, subscribing to this newsletter is key for business. With a column from the publication’s real estate insider to every detail on commercial real estate, readers stay informed with shareable stories on one of the country’s most talked about topics.
Gold: Indianapolis Business Journal; “IBJ’s The Rundown”; Taylor Wooten, Peter Blanchard, Greg Weaver
With news about government, politics and lobbyists, readers get the complete rundown in a well-designed package curated to their interests. From disclosures to tidbits, this newsletter delivers the inside scoop to political news followers.
JOURNALISM CATEGORIES
11. Best Scoop
SMALL
Silver: The Business Journal, Fresno; “Fresno luxury dealerships moving to fast-growing Clovis intersection”; Gabriel Dillard, managing editor
Cultivating trust with a major player in the local automotive market resulted in an exclusive opportunity to provide a detailed look at a big new dealership and property development.
Gold: Corridor Business Journal: “Transamerica, Tata set to end partnership”; Richard Pratt, reporter
The staff managed to scoop the competition by some distance on arguably the biggest local business story of the year, involving a major employer, with a potential impact on hundreds of local jobs.
MEDIUM
Silver: BizWest: “Iconic Stanley Hotel to sell to Arizona nonprofit”; Lucas High, reporter
Diligently attending economic development commission meetings paid dividends in a deeply reported scoop about the future of a hotel that is not only a local landmark, but one of the most iconic locations in the history of American cinema.
Gold: Des Moines Business Record: “Kum & Go’s sale to Maverick”; Kathy Bolten, senior staff writer
Not only did the reporter get ahead of a major story involving one of the most recognizable brands in the Midwest, but she also scored an exclusive interview with the company’s CEO well ahead of local or national competition.
LARGE
Silver: Indianapolis Business Journal: “City to take over financing of $510M hotel at Pan Am Plaza”; Mickey Shuey, reporter
This scoop about the city of Indianapolis taking over financing of a large property redevelopment is an excellent example of how diligent, persistent reporting can pay dividends. Not only was the reporter able to put pressure on decision-makers to reveal important details about the city’s role, but his depth of knowledge about the project allowed him to report on it quickly and effectively.
Gold: Crain’s New York Business: “Mount Sinai to close Beth Israel campus as financial losses mount”; Jacqueline Neber, Amanda Glodowski
A hospital closing can be one of the most damaging and impactful events in any community, particularly one that’s been around for more than 100 years. Getting the scoop on that story — especially in a saturated media market like New York — speaks to the depth of reporter sourcing. The subsequent fallout and community efforts to save Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital speak to the significance of the scoop.
12a. Best Feature, Single Story
SMALL
Silver: The Business Journal, Fresno; “Fresno Freedom School offers kids a path to self-reliance through farming”; Frank Lopez, reporter
This uplifting story highlights the valuable work of volunteers while also providing readers important historical context about past discrimination in agriculture.
Gold: Insight On Business; “Epic proportions”; Amelia Compton Wolff, editor
Strong details propel this story about how a company that produced folding chairs became a leader in educational furniture. The writer seamlessly weaves together engaging quotes and impressive statistics to capture the spirit of an innovative company.
MEDIUM
Silver: Des Moines Business Record; “The Beacon expands its mission of assisting women to
AABP 2024 Editorial Excellence Awards List of Winners | Page 8
those who’ve just been arrested”; Nicole Grundmeier, staff writer
This feature epitomizes the publication’s Fearless initiative to empower women. From the descriptive lead to the smooth explanations supplemented with smart hyperlinks, the story inspires empathy and understanding.
Gold: BizTimes Milwaukee; “Family farms adapt to survive”; Cara Spoto, staff writer
Superb scene-setting draws the reader in to tell a broader story of changes in the farming industry through the eyes of three families. The deeply reported piece flows well and shows the extraordinary evolution wrought by technology.
LARGE
Silver: Florida Trend; “Sowing Solar”; Mike Vogel, South Florida editor
This well-sourced story elucidates the many complexities and tradeoffs involved as Florida moves toward sustainable sources of energy. Crisp, simple graphics illustrate key concepts, and data from public records enhance the story’s depth.
Gold: Greater Baton Rouge Business Report; “The NIL Revolution”; David Jacobs, staff writer You don’t have to follow college athletics to enjoy this story. The writer cultivated great local sources to offer an engaging behind-the-scenes look and explanation of how college athletes can make a buck – or not so much. The story also does an exemplary job of showing how NIL came to be and what challenges come next.
12b. Best Feature, Series
SMALL
Silver: 425 Business; “Legacy Business”; Joanna Kresge, Jen Monnier, John Stearns, Stephanie Quiroz
This collection of profiles explores the faces of the family-owned businesses that help make a community a place to call home. The breezily written stories look back in time to business roots as well as looking forward into what’s next for these organizations and the families that make them tick.
Gold: The Business Journal, Fresno; “Connecting with the human side of manufacturing/distribution”; Frank Lopez, Ben Hensley
This set of stories does exactly what it promises: The pieces explore the people who make businesses go – from the creators of dog treats that raise money for nonprofits to the eight employees who have worked together at the same company for 27 years. Engaging leads and thoughtful quotes make for stories that are interesting and informative.
MEDIUM
Silver: Springfield Business Journal; “Business of the Arts”; Karen Craigo
Exploring the profits, challenges and successes of artists and arts institutions is a unique lens for subjects that don’t often hit the finance pages. These stories give space to authors to discuss business strategies, or to a dance studio to address workplace challenges. In the process, the stories help open the door for future artists to make a living doing what they do.
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Gold: Des Moines Business Record; “Belonging: How Iowa’s culture plays a role in workplace inclusion”; Emily Kestel, Michael Crumb, Sarah Diehn
This successful series is both well-done and much-needed. The introductory story explores the intersection of “Iowa nice” and workplace inclusion, and it sets the stage for an engaging and topical trio of pieces. The stories take off the rose-colored glasses in critically looking back on Iowa’s civil rights history, and also laser focus on what businesses are doing now and what the future can look like.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Cleveland Business; “The Youth Sports Industry Has Lost Its Way”; Joe Scalzo
The stage-setting piece of this three-part series immediately grabs readers with tales of youth sports excesses. Then subsequent stories get into examples of people who are finding ways to do things differently, including two youth basketball and hockey coaches as well as former Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu, who wants to create a different experience for the next generation than she had.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; “One City, 50 Wards: Does the City That Works Actually Work?”; Steve Hendershot
This series really had everything. It is deeply reported and engagingly written. Rich in description, human connection, data and historical context, it succeeds in making a series about aldermanic wards both interesting and eye-opening. This is truly impactful journalism.
13. Best Personality Profile
SMALL
Silver: South Sound Business; “Driven to Sell, Succeed, and Support”; John Stearns
The subject of this story, Jerry Korum, is no ordinary car salesman. From his days as the nation’s youngest Ford dealer to building a million-dollar kids foundation, Korum has many tales to tell. The writer combines a well-reported profile with an honest and far-reaching Q&A to paint a complete picture of the man at the heart of an automotive empire.
Gold: Vermont Business; “Mari McClure: A Basketball Prodigy Takes an Electric Utility to the Future”; Joyce Marcel
What powers the Green Mountain Power company? As told in this story, it’s a former University at Buffalo basketball star who channels her leadership skills and team-building know- how into running an energy company of the 21st century. Thorough reporting combined with breezy writing creates an interesting story — and also makes learning about energy infrastructure enjoyable.
MEDIUM
Silver: Virginia Business; “A View from the Top”; Katherine Schulte
This story starts with a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, then takes readers along on a journey through the career of advertising CEO Kristen Cavallo. With robust reporting from the people around Cavallo and plenty of industry details, the writer builds a well-structured story about both the person and the business – two markers of a successful profile.
Gold: Business North Carolina; “Turn the Radio On”; Edward Martin
Amid a fast-paced media world, this story tells the tale of the power of radio – especially the sort that drivers dial into from the cabs of tractors in North Carolina farm fields or from gridlock on the Interstate. An array of reported details add depth to the story of radio mogul Don Curtis. It manages to be engaging and educational, weaving the history of the AM radio world with Curtis’ untraditional beginnings in it.
LARGE
Silver: Florida Trend; “Full Circle”; Mike Vogel
The subject of this story, Madeline Pumariega, truly came full circle from being a student at Miami Dade College to becoming its first female president. She brings that experience, as well as her background as the child of immigrants, into how she runs the school. The writer deftly tells the story of a woman’s success as well as the thoroughly reported context of the challenges facing community colleges.
Gold: Hawaii Business; “CEO of the Year”; Lianne Yu
With this profile of construction company executive Ken Sakurai, the writer weaves together personal details of the CEO along with industry trends to create an engaging story of the savvy innovation and team spirit that led to the company’s success. The piece reveals the story of a humble man who just “likes to build houses” and covers his whole life – not just what he does at the office.
14. Best Body of Work, Single Writer
SMALL
Silver: South Sound Business; John Sterns, reporter
This entry showed great breadth, from a fact-filled profile of the Umpqua Bank CEO to a major takeout on the economic impact of military bases on the South Sound region. Especially charming was a colorful and no-holds-barred profile on retired car dealer Jerry Korum. Overall, strong reporting and writing.
Gold: dbusiness; Norm Sinclair, writer
Surprise is the hallmark for this writer – like a story about the aftermath of a restaurant fire that paints a picture of how the fire sparked renewal and reinvention; and how the company that bought the famed but bankrupt furniture retailer Art Van used the best pieces of that failed business to create a stronger new company. But the highlight of this entry was a package on the Michigan’s new gold mining rush, and how it is raising hopes and causing friction at the same time. The writing is top-notch, and the reporting shows that this writer knows his community.
MEDIUM
Silver: BizTimes Milwaukee; Cara Spoto, reporter
Great writers look beyond the obvious for the broader meaning. In a piece about restoring historic districts in Milwaukee, this writer explored the idea that preserving the past can hamper future development of essential neighborhoods. Her take on family farms focuses on how – like other businesses – successful farmers invest in technology to stay profitable. The highlight is a major take on the looming “demographic cliff” – or the decline in high school populations – and how that will affect local colleges and universities. What do these stories have in common? Unique angles, strong writing, and an eye for detailed analysis.
Gold: Arkansas Business; Mark Friedman, reporter
Dogged reporting makes this entry shine. Many news outlets flocked to cover the embarrassing downfall of the chair of the state Medical Board, but only one reporter was able to uncover the actual testimony given before a little-known state agency. Many outlets also covered the aftermath of many residents losing Medicaid coverage, but this story stood out for its complexity and analysis. And strong sourcing led to a scoop on how Arkansas isn’t monitoring the quality and availability of maternity care, despite the state ranking at the bottom in maternal deaths. All these stories have strong data scaffolding wrapped with precise writing.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Detroit Business; Kurt Nagl, reporter
This entry had it all – scoops, quirkiness, and deep-dive enterprise. This writer was able to beat the competition with his detailed piece on a major expansion by Ford, and then added an extensively reported piece on the Midwest’s rush to catch up with the south on electric vehicle plants, complete with dollar figures and analysis. And quirky is one way to describe a piece on billboard lawyer Joumana Kayrouz, whose 200 billboards across the city have earned her legendary status. In capable hands, this profile shows how the personal injury lawyer competes in a man’s world.
Gold: Business News; Tom Zaunmayr, reporter
The roads that crisscross Western Australia provide the infrastructure that supports its mining operations. In the hands of this talented writer, the fact that this aging road network is hurting the industry is riveting reading. The writer brings that writing spark to other pieces on the biofuels industry and regenerative farming. The material is well written and expertly sourced.
15. Best Recurring Feature
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Silver: Insight on Business; “Home Made”; Amelia Compton Wolff, Kate Bruns
The subjects of these company bios are an intriguing mix of characters and commercial ventures. From condiment producers to crane fabricators, each profile is a lesson in precision reporting and deft editing that delivers maximum impact in a tight space.
Gold: dbusiness; “Patents and Inventions”; Norm Sinclair
These snapshots of innovators who reshaped commerce and industry are stylishly written and thoroughly engaging. Who knew the founder of Dow Chemical once hoped to raise ostriches in South Africa? Or that Bissell vacuums were the last-ditch solution to the frustration of trapped sawdust and straw in carpets? The series is a fine example of top-notch storytelling that entertains as well as informs.
MEDIUM
Silver: Virginia Business; “Virginia 500 Spotlight”; Richard Foster, Courtney Mabeus-Brown
A clever set-up with offbeat questions gives these short features an unpredictable edge. Asking about a first job, favorite vacation spot or “something they’d never do again” enriches the interview and humanizes the subjects. Even the photos are unexpected and thus, especially charming.
Gold: Providence Business News; “Meet the Makers”; Nancy Lavin, Christopher Allen, Claudia Chiappa
Unsung heroes who help drive the economy are spotlighted here with an authoritative voice and outstanding choice of details. The series also demonstrates the writer’s ability to effectively combine analysis and narrative journalism. The range of topics adds to its success, from a dairy farm to a machine shop to a company that recycles end-of-life fishing nets into plastic pellets.
LARGE
Silver: D CEO Magazine; “Roots”; Christine Perez , Ben Swanger
The backstories of significant business forces who faced substantial odds are well- chronicled here. These are tales of ambition, resolve and resilience that are expertly told with solid reporting and skillful writing.
Golf: Greater Baton Rouge Business Report; “Evolution of an Idea”; Business Report team
This series has uncovered the sweet spot between design and text to present a feature that is smart, imaginative and visually striking. It is a remarkably eclectic combination of personality, history and data under colorful, inventive headings. Every installment is a gem, from the development of the salad station to the rebranding of Blue Plate Mayonnaise. Overall, the entry was a clear winner.
16: Best Coverage of Local Breaking News
SMALL
Silver: San Fernando Valley Business Journal; “Disney Dodges a Proxy Battle”; Zane Hill, staff reporter
This entry captivates with a skillful breakdown of the finale to a battle between billionaires. The reporter weaves together a compelling narrative of a Disney shareholder’s proxy fight by guiding the reader backward and forward in time to explain what happened, how it happened, and what will happen next. Readers are treated to a comprehensive build up to the fight, explanation of the key players, and what its conclusion means moving forward.
Gold: Vermont Business; “Vermont State University Had Four Presidents in Eight Months, What in the Name of Higher Learning Happened?”; Timothy McQuiston
This entry carefully reports out how one university saw four different presidents in less than a year. With each new president came a new set of plans and a new direction for the university, and a new set of opponents. The entry expertly guides readers through the whiplash of new characters revolving in and out of the university, introducing readers to each new leader and examining how they got there.
MEDIUM
Silver: Providence Business News; “Bridge Shutdown”; PBN staff
When a major bridge in Rhode Island suddenly closed for emergency repairs due to potential safety issues, these reporters sprang into action so readers knew what to expect on their commute. As the rushed closure unfolded and caused significant traffic delays, the coverage provided answers for the public: How did this happen, why did it happen so late, and who’s responsible? It also highlighted the huge economic impact the sudden closure had on small businesses. The reporting provided a complete package for readers.
Gold: Mainebiz; “Lewiston Mass Shooting”; Renee Cordes, William Hall, Alexis Wells
When a deadly mass shooting happened overnight in Lewison, Maine, everything felt uncertain for residents while the suspect remained at large for several hours. This reporting provided readers with a small respite in the form of confirmed facts and information. While the manhunt was under way, the reporters kept readers informed of what businesses stayed open and which closed across the state.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Roz Brewer abruptly departs Walgreens”; Katherine Davis
The entry details the sudden and surprising departure of Walgreens’ CEO, breaking the story nationally. The abrupt parting left one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the country with two vacancies in top spots, along with questions about its financial stability. The story takes readers through the CEO’s track record, exit, and the effects it had on investors’ unease. It skillfully paints a picture of the company’s recent past and its trajectory without a leader at the helm.
Gold: Business News; “Homeowners take on major builder”; Isabel Vieira
This entry carefully details a story of collective action, when a group of homeowners uses social media to organize a potential class action lawsuit against a major home builder. Readers get a front row seat to a series of legal and public battles between thousands of homeowners and a developer giant that hasn’t fulfilled its construction agreements, as the story uses enterprise reporting and sources to explore what happened, what went wrong, and who’s to blame.
17. Best Investigative Reporting
SMALL
Silver: dbusiness; “Prospecting for Gold”; Norm Sinclair
A comprehensive, well-organized examination of the potential impacts, good and bad, of a proposed gold and silver mining operation. The story is balanced and well-sourced, and includes important context and history.
Gold: Corridor Business Journal; “The Rise and Fall of Moxie Solar”; Noah Tong
This deeply reported forensic examination of the rise and fall of a solar energy company examines the reasons for failure, and fallout of that failure, from multiple angles. Complex material is well reported and well written.
MEDIUM
Silver: Arkansas Business; “Levees Overlooked”; Lara Farrar
This article does what great watchdog reporting should do — holds officials accountable for promises and highly publicized plans. The state of Arkansas created a task force to make recommendations for important safety improvements to the levee system. The reporter showed that little was done with the recommendations, meaning that serious flood risks have yet to be addressed.
Gold: Providence Business News; “What Happened to Reparations?”; Christopher Allen
Powerful accountability reporting on the city’s lack of action on a plan to fund a reparations initiative despite the money being available and plans being in place. Well sourced and reported, the reporter doesn’t let the city off the hook by doggedly pursuing answers.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s New York Business; “New York’s ‘Rogue Little Messed Up’ Pension Fund”; Aaron Elstein, reporter, and Cory Schouten, editor
A well-written, well-documented investigation that makes a compelling argument for policy change. The story shines a much-needed spotlight on a pension fund that is relied upon to be, as one source says “the pension fund for people with the least.”
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; “A Blemished Art Collection”; Elyssa Cherney and Steve Mills.
A compelling and deeply reported examination of The Art Institute of Chicago’s handling of allegations that some of its collection contains artifacts looted from Nepal. The story is a textbook investigation example, with context, history and strong written and visual evidence.
18. Best Explanatory Journalism
SMALL
Silver: Corridor Business Journal; “Is a Four-day Week the Future of Work?”; Richard Pratt, business reporter
HR stories don’t have a reputation for being fascinating, front-page news. But through equal parts trend reporting, business profile, and analysis, the reporter vivified an emerging human resources management concept in a balanced, thoughtful and engaging manner.
Gold: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business; “Bitter Legal Battle Forces Roasters Ownership Change”; Sara Schilling, reporter
One local coffee chain changes hands, twice, in short order. Why? Pulling from court documents across two counties, the reporter deftly explains two years of costly legal wrangling in an easy-to-understand way, satisfying the caffeinated curiosity of readers.
MEDIUM
Silver: BizTimes Milwaukee; “Survival 101: Colleges Adapt Amid Shrinking Pool of High School Grads”; Cara Spoto, staff writer
Challenging the assumptions of what smaller high school graduation class sizes “must” mean for college enrollments, the reporter skillfully illustrates different strategic responses from six area institutions, while also weaving in human perspective from current students.
Gold: Arkansas Business; “Mothers and Babies at Risk”; Mark Friedman, senior editor, Lara Farrar, reporter
Coming from angles economic, legislative and human, these reporters tell a comprehensive and complex story of hospital staffing, health access, health outcomes and health policy — highlighted by a painstakingly created map illustrating exactly where all the state’s increasing number of “maternity deserts” are.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s New York Business; “The Tax Zombies of New York”; Aaron Elstein, senior reporter, Cory Schouten, editor-in-chief, Amanda Glodowski, assistant managing editor, Buck Ennis, staff photographer, Jason McGregor, digital design editor, Mike Laughead, illustrator
Tax policy with a haunted twist: In an engaging and creative style and form, this team took data from across several public agencies to bring to light the history, growth, current status and seemingly perpetual future of New York city and state tax breaks for private corporations.
Gold: Crain’s Detroit Business; “States pull out all the stops in race for new EV investments”; Kurt Nagl, reporter
Covering a topic replete with massive dollar figures and frequent hyperbole, the reporter takes a measured, detailed, and contextual approach to give readers a comprehensive understanding of the race among the states to secure EV manufacturing plants and the next generation of automotive jobs.
19a. Best Beat Reporting, Economics and Finance
SMALL
Silver: San Fernando Valley Business Journal; Taylor Mills
This reporting uses the right inside sourcing and enough precision to gain trust in an industry highly suspicious of reporters. The selection showed breadth, including pieces about a crypto incubator, a litigation financier, and a small-business educator.
Gold: Greater Wilmington Business Journal; Jenny Callison, reporter, Emma Dill, reporter, Cece Nunn, reporter
This team showed how well they know their community and the forces that impact its economic future. A piece on a new battery plant was well sourced, and an article on how being or not being in the Wilmington statistical area affected the town of Brunswick was surprising in its complexity and completeness. An article on how to increase international trade showed strong sourcing and no doubt was valued by businesses in the area.
MEDIUM
Silver: Hartford Business Journal; Michael Puffer, reporter
High interest rates and a collapsing commercial real estate market will have implications for Hartford. A story on how one of Hartford’s largest owners is navigating the future of financing its downtown buildings no doubt was read closely by local business owners. The wave consolidation of credit unions – cutting the number nearly in half – has real implications, and this great piece of reporting explains the breadth of implications for the state. A final piece puts a number on what everyone already knew – that high interest rates and changing work habits have killed the market for commercial real estate. This is reporting that matters to a community.
Gold: BizTimes Milwaukee; Arthur Thomas, managing editor
The economy and banking were big news in 2023, and local business got the scoop on how larger issues affected them. When Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, local readers wondered if that could happen in Wisconsin. The coverage gathered bank data to show how the local banks stacked up with the issues that took down Silicon Valley Bank. Another piece helped locals navigate higher interest rates for businesses. A third story looked at the strategy of Wisconsin’s largest bank. Strong sourcing and solid writing made these stories valuable to subscribers.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Cleveland Business; Jeremy Nobile, reporter
Equity is a major economic issue, and this entry offers two enlightening pieces – one on how regional bank branch closures affect community access, and another on why bank lending is weak in black communities. These stories urge the community to act. A third story on shock waves created by the Silicon Valley Bank collapse helped answer the question of whether it could happen in Northwest Ohio
Gold: Business News, Matt Mckenzie, reporter
This selection of pieces on the changing economy of Western Australia showed real enterprise – and included interactive graphics to further reader understanding. This reporting showed a strong grasp of economic concepts and how they interact in a region dominated by mining. A data-driven piece on how borrowers in Perth suburbs are likely to fall behind on their mortgage payments as interest rates rise was very well done, and likely prompted a lot of chatter in the greater business community. And a piece on how inflation affects industry sectors was very detailed and effective.
19b. Best Beat Reporting, Real Estate
SMALL
Silver: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business; Sara Schilling
Out-of-control housing prices are squeezing Americans across the country, and this region is no different. The reporting here is detailed and creative, especially when it comes to the discussion of accessory dwelling units. Some think they’re the solution to a housing shortage while others say they’ll add too much density to crowded neighborhoods. As the debate heats up in the region, this publication covered it doggedly.
Gold: Greater Wilmington Business Journal; Cece Nunn
Excellent writing provides the backbone for some simply outstanding storytelling. Each example does an expert job of tying together the history of the real estate, going far beyond steno-pad reporting of the issuing of permits or closings and transfers.
MEDIUM
Silver: Biz New Orleans; Drew Hawkins
This collection of stories demonstrates a strong commitment to human-centered storytelling, drawing out the characters revitalizing the city through entities such as Habitat for Humanity and the museums. It is a highly innovative approach to reporting on economic development in community anchors.
Gold: BizTimes Milwaukee; Hunter Turpin
Be it about an effort to make Milwaukee’s airport competitive as a viable cargo hub or adding up the exact square footage of unoccupied office space about to hit the commercial market, the real estate beat is expertly – and creatively – covered in a holistic way that goes much deeper than acreage and asking prices.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Detroit Business; Kirk Pinho
This entry features a range of whimsical journalism. From shoe-leather reporting on the mysterious disappearance of Boston Market restaurants to an explainer on why Detroit is the parking lot capitol of the world, readers’ curiosities are well served.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; Danny Ecker, Alby Gallun
Few in a market could cover the real estate beat as comprehensively as this team. From the city to the exurbs, there are significant details about what it takes to convert space, keep existing spaces viable and produce affordable housing. The level of detail in the reporting is second-to-none, with the side-by-side comparison in the pricing of luxury and “affordable” housing as just one example.
19c. Best Beat Reporting, Tech and Innovation
SMALL
Silver: Quad Cities Regional Business Journal; Jennifer DeWitt, Jan Touney, Dave Thompson
This expertly crafted collection is a testament to the staff’s efforts to cover tech and innovation. From virtual field trips to the manufacturing of a new type of pallet revolutionizing storage and transportation in the agriculture industry and food and beverage field, this reporting goes deep in sharing the stories of creative problem-solving within the community.
Gold: San Fernando Valley Business Journal; Grace Harmon
A combination of strong storytelling, demystifying complicated data points and deep sourcing make this entry stand in a class all its own. It is evident the reporter has a way with sources, getting people in even the most secretive of industries to take a call, even when they have little to gain by talking to a reporter. From the first sentence these stories pull readers through material that is difficult to set down.
MEDIUM
Silver: BizTimes Milwaukee; Ashley Smart
There is a thread of entrepreneurial thinking and dogged reporting weaving through this collection of stories. From updating readers on the region’s role in the move to electronic vehicle use to creating a roadmap to the local venture capital landscape, the stories cover it all with great focus and detail.
Gold: Des Moines Business Record; Sarah Diehn
Even the nation’s oldest and most storied companies must innovate, or find themselves falling behind. Be it John Deere adding new product lines, or banks central to the region working to protect themselves from collapse, change is at the center of it all. This reporting offers a peek behind the curtain at what is happening and who is leading the charge.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Detroit Business; Dustin Walsh
The cutting edge of healthcare is promising for those in need of affordable treatments. But what could it mean if generics are priced out of reach? Or if providers are forced to charge patients who seek care through medical portals? This reporter applies a consumer-focused approach to coverage of medical advances in a way that puts the cost of the innovation into clear focus.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; John Pletz
This coverage of the biotech sector stands in a class all its own. From coverage of the collaboration between three competitive universities teaming up to snag more than $250 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation to the extensive coverage of the years-long saga of fraud at Outcome Health, the reporting on the biotech sector spins a yarn after yarn that is characterized by deep reporting, expert sourcing and storytelling that is captivating to the last word.
20. Best Ancillary Publication
SMALL
Silver: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business; “Focus: Agriculture + Viticulture in the Columbia Basin”; Kristina Lord, executive editor, Sara Schilling, reporter, Vanessa Guzmán, production manager, Tiffany Lundstrom, associate publisher for sales, Chad Utecht, advertising account manager
Informative content and unobtrusive design are condensed into a powerful package. With clear display text and headlines, it is clear how each story broadens the readers’ understanding of the area’s agriculture industry. Each story felt deliberate, informative and rooted in the context of the area. The design feels refreshingly, invitingly clean.
Gold: Greater Wilmington Business Journal; “Real Estate”; Cece Nunn, assistant editor, Vicky Janowski, editor, Suzi Drake, contributing designer, Johanna Cano, reporter, Johanna Still, reporter, Miriah Hamrick, reporter
This real estate issue offers a “buy one, get one” experience for readers, with 49 pages focused on commercial real estate and 47 pages focused on residential real estate. Each half of the publication contains a variety of high-quality content enhanced by easy-to-navigate design. With a variety of story formats — from behind-the-numbers to round-ups to longform profiles — the publication deeply explores the two sides of real estate in its community.
MEDIUM
Silver: Twin Cities Business; “StartMN Fall 2023”; Twin Cities Business staff
Minnesotans in the startup world are sure to find plenty of valuable insights in this publication, with clever departments such as front-of-book “1st Round” and back-of-book “Exit Strategy.” The departments showcase plenty of creative, non-traditional storytelling formats that deliver insightful information to readers in well-designed packages. The design of the publication feels nuanced without distraction, and the graphic work in this publication stands out as engaging and meaningful.
Gold: Arkansas Business; “Greenhead”; Chris Bahn, publisher, Brent Birch, editor, Todd Traub, managing editor, Addison Freeman, assistant editor, Dean Wheeler, art director
With story topics ranging from conservation to gear, recipe suggestions to artist profiles, the reader gets a comprehensive view of the subject and the area. Engrossing visuals and design pair with clever storytelling and headlines. The design style stands out as having a clear point of view, with strong department styling and playful features. The pages contain a rich mix of captivating photography that spans landscapes and interesting detail shots while engaging illustrations add interest.
LARGE
Silver: Business News; “ESG”; Liv Declerck, Nadia Budihardjo
Exploring an important and relevant topic through the nuances of business, the stories in this publication are actionable and helpful for business stakeholders. The design allows the articles to stand out amid ads and partnerships, with powerful pull quotes to guide the reader.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; “D CEO 500”; Christine Perez, editor, Hamilton Hedrick, design director, Ben Swanger, managing editor, Will Maddox, senior editor, Kelsey Vanderschoot, online managing editor
With 500 leaders highlighted in this book, it could have easily felt overwhelming or difficult to navigate. Instead, each mini-profile contains a variety of questions to keep the pages fresh and allow for 500 different personalities to shine through. Design and content are engaging, informative and easy to steer for the reader.
21. Best Bylined Commentary
SMALL
Silver: Ingram’s; “Editor’s Note”; Joe Sweeney, editor-in-chief and publisher
This is sharp thinking, presented clearly, to give readers a look inside the mind of the author and the publication. Two of the three submissions peer under the hood to explain how the staff deals with the annual 40 under 40 list and a list of top priorities for the city. Personal observation and historical research are weaved together in a cogent explanation that such lists are not popularity polls nor intentionally weighted by bias.
Gold: dbusiness; “Letters (from the Editor)”; R.J. King, editor
An independent thinker, the author leans into the right-versus-left political cauldron to address needs of his business audience and community. Suggestions include more education; fewer, smaller subsidies to attract new business; and higher union wages to increase income taxes which should provide more revenue for education, health and infrastructure.
MEDIUM
Silver: Springfield Business Journal; “Truth Be Told”; Christine Temple, executive editor
The commentary has a strong voice that is accessible and approachable, taking sometimes difficult content and laying it out in a clear understandable form. Readers need not be experts in the subject to gain insights into issues including Artificial Intelligence, rising burnout and the culture surrounding alcohol consumption.
Gold: Des Moines Business Record; “Fearless”; Nicole Grundmeier, staff writer
Future business leaders need a bit of aggression and a lot of perseverance, but there are times when it is best to drop something and move on. Yet young people especially in sports, are often prodded to never give up, never quit. The commentary gives sound advice to help parents help children to identify when and how to quit when needed, and hone that skill for future adulthood. Readers are almost certain to learn something new from these well-reasoned and researched articles.
LARGE
Silver: Business News; “Opinion”; Tom Zaunmayr, senior journalist
These columns present strong advocacy for Western Australia, both for its heritage and future. A bill meant to protect Aboriginal interests gets a reexamination here that heavily suggests an update, if not a total rewrite. Insurance outlays in the north are examined as a federal issue, not regional, as Western Australia appears to bear a disproportionate share of the cost of the solution.
Gold: Indianapolis Business Journal; “Indy: Grow or Die”; Nate Feldman, publisher
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when Indianapolis was a Midwestern jewel, building pro-level sports facilities and attracting top-level sporting events. Fans of tennis, swimming, football and basketball fueled a revitalization of the city. Then things got quiet. The author makes a strong case that the city needs to jumpstart investment in downtown again, or risk shrinking and losing people, business and star power to other Midwest cities that are more aggressive. This is a great story, told well, with strong arguments to make its case.
22. Best Editorial
SMALL
Silver: Vermont Business; “Editorial: Both Are Correct”; Timothy McQuiston, editor
It is not often recently that a Republican governor and the state’s independent Senator can both be viewed as correct with differing views on the same topic: growth or lack thereof, and the economy. The editorial lays out the arguments from both officials and deems both worthy of support.
Gold: Delaware Business Times; “Editorial: The fastest solution to workforce shortage? Immigration reform”; Jacob Owens, editor
Using labor data on employment, hiring, dropping unemployment numbers and research from the Federal Reserve, the editorial paints a compelling picture of a tight job market that isn’t headed in the right direction. This is a thoroughly researched look at a serious problem accompanied by data showing immigration as a potential driver of substantial growth to the nation’s gross domestic product.
MEDIUM
Silver: BizWest; “Editorial: Hangar tenants deserve better from Northern Colorado Regional Airport commission ”; staff
This editorial raises questions of neglect, fairness, and failure to deal with a problem affecting 47 owners of private aircraft A two- to four-month eviction window is characterized as a “slap in the face” for tenants that have no other viable option. The editorial presents an unambiguous call for officials to come up with a better plan.
Gold: Hartford Business Journal; “Business Community Must Step Up Efforts to Promote Hartford, to CT Cities.”; Greg Bordonaro, editor
Looking beyond the usual arguments for why businesses leave the city and state – high cost of living and doing business and over-regulation – this piece uses the latest defection to nearby Boston to identify a problem the city can address: Promoting its trained and skilled workforce capable of attracting business. A table of comparison data between Connecticut and Massachusetts backs up the claim that the city and state have a competitive workforce and suggests local business and leaders are not adequately promoting that.
LARGE
Silver: Crain’s Chicago Business; “Editorial: The tab for Johnson’s agenda is coming due — and biz is expected to pick it up”; Editorial Board
The opening metaphor nicely sets up what is to come, a bracing agenda by the mayor to fund programs for disadvantaged communities with increases in the minimum wage for restaurant servers and higher taxes on pricier real estate. It sets up the struggles of the disadvantaged versus the struggles of the post-pandemic business community. How this plays out will bring readers back to the publication throughout the year.
Gold: Indianapolis Business Journal; “Taxpayers need data, information before votes, not after them”; Lesley Weidenbener, editor
When the city plans a $512 million hotel project, who is entitled to peek under the hood to examine funding estimates: a handful of council members, or the citizens and residents who elected them, or both? As it stands city officials promise to share data and a feasibility study after the project is approved, and shared only a summary of same to council members, but not to the media. This editorial makes a strong call to action for data to be shared with the public prior to a vote by the council, so that citizens can weigh in with their elected officials, pro or con.
BEST OF SHOW CATEGORIES
23. Most Improved Publication
Greater Baton Rouge Business Report; Hoa Vu, Penny Font, JR Ball, Allan Schilling, Holly Duchmann, David Jacobs, Melinda Galjour
A more compact format immediately gave this publication a contemporary look and appeal. Reducing the page size added more weight to the visuals and made each feature more prominent. The update significantly improved the table of contents, adding photos that boosted both design and reader interest. Sections are now better organized with colorful page labels that aid navigation by organizing content in sensible ways. Writing still has considerable authority, but features are often more graphically presented to meet busy audience expectations. Overall, the new format better highlights the range of content in the publication — standards such as Cover Story, News, Viewpoint and “Your Business,” as well as newer features such as the smart “Intelligence” section that allows editors to emphasize important topics. The end result is an effective, modern redesign of an already impressive publication.
24. Best Website
Bronze: Business North Carolina; David Mildenberg
The site offers a clean, simple and streamlined web experience, with intuitive navigation to help even novice visitors find what they need. The branding for the publication is clear but not overbearing, and it unobtrusively invites users to further explore the publication’s content via myriad newsletters or the podcast, offered conveniently in the in-browser player.
Silver: Des Moines Business Record; Kate Meyer, Jason Swanson, Chris Conetzkey
Putting the audience front and center with their own contributions and feedback is a welcome show of appreciation and support for the patrons who help support the site. The larger site experience features simple layout and content placement. Clear markers of content types or categories also enhance browsing and make it easy for visitors to consume what fits their interests and needs.
Gold: Business News; Sean Cowan, Mark Beyer, Mark Pownall, Claire Tyrrell, Jack McGinn, Tom Zaunmayr, Nadia Budihardjo, Isabel Vieira, Liv Declerck, Justin Fris, Nicholas Clarke, Andreas Koepke, Michael O’Brien
The choice to feature one main story front-and-center, rather than a carousel of content options, shows a bold confidence in what the site has to offer. Modern design elements give it a visual appeal and feel, while a smooth and efficient layout is punctuated with markers to help guide visitors to the newest content and trending topics, The site is smartly parceled out into different sectors to give visitors seeking specific content a clear path to what they want.
25. Best Magazine
Bronze: Florida Trend; David Denor, Amy Keller, Gary Bernloehr, Mike Vogel, Michael Fechter, Mike Brassfield, Jason Morton
This is a nicely balanced publication with a comfortable, accessible look and an engaging voice. Design is consistent with good use of visuals and thoughtful navigation to guide the reader. “Around the State” is a good example, covering multiple communities with a strong mix of news about real estate, higher education, small business, transportation, manufacturing, health care, energy, development and more. Special reports are especially noteworthy, particularly one about the future of Florida’s stance on personal injury lawsuits. Every issue is a deep well of information that demonstrates smart use of the resources.
Silver: dbusiness; R.J. King, Tim Keenan, Justin Stenson, Stephanie Daniel, Steven Prokuda There is a lot to praise in this publication. Stories are well-reported and displayed, covers
are strong and effective, sections are helpfully labeled for easy navigation, and overall packaging is clear and inviting. Business profiles are standouts and full of personality, making them go-to content in every issue. “The Ticker” and “Closing Bell” are also favorites, with ample news, local flavor and unexpected details. The overall impression is a publication in sync with its audience.
Gold: D CEO Magazine; Will Maddox, Ben Swanger, Hamilton Hedrick, Christine Perez, Kelsey Vanderschoot
This publication is both impressive and distinctive, with a stylish look and a classic, refined sensibility that mirrors its city. Covers are beautiful, with sophisticated typography and technically superb portraits. Design is graceful and well-balanced; and the writing is consistently excellent, with lively profiles and richly reported narratives. A section on business leaders and criminal justice reform, for example, pulled together data, personal stories, analysis and point of view to deliver an exceptional package for readers. This is clearly a top-tier publication.
26a. Best Newspaper – Small Tabloids
Bronze: Corridor Business Journal; John Lohman, chief executive officer and president, Alexandra Olsen, editor, Richard Pratt, reporter, Annie Barkalow, reporter, Becky Lyons, vice president of operations and design, Julia Druckmiller, graphic design artist, Andrea Rhoades, chief operating officer and group publisher
The reporters deliver a solid mix of breaking, explanatory and investigative stories with local angles. The newspaper has a clean and consistent cover design, using it to focus on the lead stories.
Silver: Greater Wilmington Business Journal; Vicky Janowski, editor, Cece Nunn, managing editor, Suzi Drake, art director, Johanna Still, reporter, Johanna Cano, reporter, Miriah Hamrick, reporter, Emma Dill, reporter, Audrey Elsberry, reporter
This newspaper shows how to turn a smaller page format into an asset. It effectively uses its covers and inside pages to tell stories of the people behind local businesses. The Economic Indicators graphics help show the audience changes in business conditions.
Gold: San Fernando Valley Business Journal; Charles Crumpley, editor-in-chief, James Brock, managing editor, Hannah Welk, interim editor, Zane Hill, reporter, Howard Fine, reporter, Grace Harmon, reporter, Mark Madler, reporter, Taylor Mills, reporter, Brynn Shaffer, reporter
Reporters write with authoritative voices that show they are experts on their beats. Clean cover design and eye-grabbing headlines keep readers engaged. A standing table of contents helps readers easily locate stories of interest inside.
26b. Best Newspaper – Medium Tabloids
Bronze: Hartford Business Journal; Greg Bordonaro, editor, Michael Puffer, staff writer, Andrew Larson, web editor, Skyler Frazer, staff writer, Hanna Snyder Gambini, economic development forecaster, Michelle Tuccitto Sullo, managing editor
This newspaper delivers a nice mix of news, briefs, features and lists inside each issue. Covers have a consistent, clean design that signals the major stories inside. The writing is straightforward and easy to read. Also, the publication uses charts well to illustrate stories.
Silver: Worcester Business Journal; staff
Using a smaller page format than many others, this publication focuses its cover design on the theme of each issue or a few key stories inside. The cover images selected show the staff gave a lot of thought to diversity of the story subjects. Most of the stories inside are focused on the themes of each issue. The staff uses graphics and charts well to help show the stories.
Gold: Providence Business News; staff
This tabloid consistently appeals to its readers with lively covers that use color and images well. Inside, headlines pop and writing pulls the reader in. The story selection is thoughtful and focuses on local issues. And the design is just as well done.
26c. Best newspaper — Large tabloids
Bronze: Crain’s Detroit Business; staff
This newspaper is not afraid to cover tough stories, such the erosion of the Black middle class and an aging power grid, showing how real people are hurt. Forum pages are used effectively to zoom in on special story packages. Thoughtfully designed covers blend images, text and headlines well.
Silver: Los Angeles Business Journal; Charles Crumpley, editor-in-chief, James Brock, managing editor, Hannah Welk, interim editor, Zane Hill, reporter, Howard Fine, reporter, Grace Harmon, reporter, Mark Madler, reporter, Taylor Mills, reporter, Brynn Shaffer, reporter
Readers consistently get authoritative and comprehensive coverage of local news. Table of contents and other navigational tools are employed well to help readers. Special sections and lists are packed with useful content. Each issue is thick and printed on glossy paper, enticing readers to keep back issues.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business; staff
Strong cover design and punchy headlines grab readers’ attention. There is a smart selection of news, opinion columns and standing features that focus on key local issues. Compelling writing and use of graphics inside each issue makes it easy for readers to digest complicated stories. As a bonus, it is great to see the newspaper collaborate with ProPublica on an investigation.
