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The Hope Standard wins general excellence award

Newspaper earns industry recognition at annual awards celebration
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Three members of The Hope Standard team (from left to right) advertising consultant Pattie Desjardins

The Hope Standard received gold for newspaper excellence in its circulation category at the 2013 Ma Murray Awards Saturday in Richmond.

The Standard finished ahead of two of its Black Press sister publications, The Invermere Valley Echo and North Island Gazette. The general excellence award takes into consideration all aspects of the publication, including content, photography, advertising, design and the overall look of the newspaper.

The B.C. Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) judges said The Standard “received top marks in front page excellence. The front page is very well-balanced using well picked/cropped photos, reader-friendly section throws and lovely design and story coverage… and the rest of the paper doesn’t disappoint.”

The general excellence award was one of three top finishes for The Standard at this year’s Ma Murray Awards. Editor Kerrie-Ann Schoenit received silver for a spot news photo that captured firefighters extinguishing a blaze on Peters Road. Advertising consultant Pattie Dejardins and former graphic designer Debbie Romano also earned a silver award in the newspaper promotion category for the “Advertising Works” campaign.

“I am extremely pleased to see the hard work of my team being recognized with the highest standards of excellence in our industry,” said publisher Andrew Franklin. “The gold award for general excellence reflects the commitment and dedication of the team in Hope and positions The Standard as the best community newspaper in its class. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers and advertisers, for your loyalty and support of Hope’s community newspaper.”

Black Press publications throughout the Fraser Valley were winners as well, with The Chilliwack Progress, Mission Record, Agassiz Harrison Observer and The Abbotsford News all taking home awards.

The Hope Standard has also received national industry recognition this year. The newspaper came in second place in its circulation category for best front page at the 2013 Canadian Community Newspaper Awards. In addition, The Hope Standard earned a Blue Ribbon, which recognizes overall excellence of the publication.