July 17, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: C. James Dowden, AABP Executive Director
323/937-5514
AABP ANNOUNCES 2004 EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE
AWARD WINNERS FOR LEADING BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS
LOS ANGELES—The Association of Area Business Publications presented almost 90 awards to
newspaper and magazine business periodicals July 17, 2004, the climax of its three-day annual Summer
Conference in Chicago, IL.
There were a record-breaking 562 entries from 52 publications in 28 categories for the 2004 AABP
Editorial Excellence Awards. Divisions include Magazines, Newspapers and Open. Gold, silver and bronze
awards were available in each category.
The annual Editorial Excellence Awards competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography
and design achieved by regional business publications. Prof. Daryl Moen of the University of Missouri
School of Journalism coordinated the contest. Judges (profiled in attached list) are comprised of faculty
from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, with qualifications in respective areas.
"The purpose of the AABP competition is to encourage a high level of journalistic performance and
service to communities by recognizing editorial excellence and outstanding visual presentation in regional
business publications," said AABP Executive Director C. James Dowden.
Best Magazine went to Minnesota Business; Best Newspaper: Small Tabloids went to Mainebiz, and
Best Newspaper: Large Tabloids went to Los Angeles Business Journal. Best Cover, Magazine went to
Business Tennessee, and Best Front Page, Newspaper went to Baton Rouge Business Report. Most
Improved Publication is Baton Rouge Business Report. Best Web site went to Arkansas Business
(www.arkansasbusiness.com).
Judges used stringent criteria for the categories in writing, design/art and editorial awards. To ensure
that the highest standards would be maintained, leading journalism faculty were recruited as judges.
Judges said this year’s winners “share several characteristics: imagination, restraint and consistency. As
a whole, entries showed strength, and we noted an increasing, and interesting, use of thematic treatments
that make pure information much more cohesive. The most successful business publications go beyond
being PR tools but support the community in their analysis and assessment.”
Headquartered in Los Angeles, the AABP is a nonprofit national organization representing more than
80 independent magazine and newspaper members in the United States, Canada, Australia and Mexico. For
more information about AABP, call 323/937-5514 or visit www.bizpubs.org.
The judges’ biographies and the award winners in each category are listed on the following pages:
AABP Editorial Excellence Awards 2004
1. Best Cover
Bronze: Twin Cities Business Monthly, Jay Novak, editor
This large-format cover offers so many things to the reader -- clever photography in which
restraint was used not to go too far over the top with the geek theme, compelling sell lines on a variety of
stories and eye-popping color both with the photography and type treatment that helps distinguish the title
sell line from its deck.
Silver: Oregon Business, Mitchell Hartman, editor; Barbara Osborne, art director
A refreshing blend of colors made this cover unique with a Picasso-inspired piece of art as its
centerpiece. The design is well-executed and reflects the content of the lead feature. With the busy
illustration, designers were careful not to add much more to this cover than a single catchy sell line. Less is
more.
Gold: Business Tennessee, Lauren Finney
This cover is simply intriguing, from the people in the shadows to the duotone processing to the
title "In the Dark" you want to pick up the magazine and find out what's inside. Nice typography with the
flag and ancillary type. The top lines help pitch other stories to the readers in case the cover story doesn’t
grab you.
2. Best Feature Layout
Bronze: “1,130,128 Readers”; Twin Cities Business Monthly; Jay Novak, editor
The large, engaging double portrait attracts readers. The main headline typography reflects the
mood of the story without going too far. The small images across the top create a nice visual connection
between the human subjects and the work they do that deserves a reader’s attention.
Silver: “First-Mover”; Minnesota Business Magazine; Mark Druskoff, editor
The strong display typography effectively reflects the confidence of the story’s subject. The layout
is clean and consistent across the multiple page spreads. There is nice use of uncomplicated typography and
good labeling of the elements across the layout. Although background color can be problematic, the pale
yellow in this case sets the story apart from the rest of the magazine without jeopardizing legibility.
Gold: “What Florida Buys”; Florida Trend; Gary Bernloehr, art director; Chris Sheek, associate art director
This layout integrates a lot of material in an attractive way. This is tremendous work gathering this
much good visual imagery and placing it onto the layouts in a form that is so consistent, orderly, balanced
and engaging. The refined use of color on the Snapshot pages also is terrific. Overall this is a model of well
done visual display.
3. Best Use of Photography/ Illustrations
Bronze: Florida Trend, Mark Howard, editor
Florida Trend’s photos and illustrations are big and flashy. They demand attention. Although the
images are given size, they are given enough white space to breathe. The photos and illustrations work well
in the designs.
Silver: Twin Cities Business Monthly, Jay Novak, editor
The magazine use size for impact but knows how to go small when necessary. There is a nice
variety of photographs on the pages. We see them indoors, outdoors, with natural lighting and with studio
lighting. All are technically sound.
Gold: Oregon Business, Mitchell Hartman, editor; Barbara Osborne, art director
Oregon Business displays a range of photographic sensibilities in its pages. There is humor, there
are black-and-white casual environmental portraits, there are color photos using available light. The photos
show planning and terrific execution.
4. Best Overall Design
Bronze: No award
Silver: Twin Cities Business Monthly, Jay Novak, Editor
The magazine takes full advantage of its large format with a bold design and distinctive illustrations.
The magazine is easy to navigate -- with a nice combination of contrast and continuity.
Gold: ColoradoBiz, Robert Schwab and Mike Taylor
This magazine stands out from the rest in this category because of its sophisticated covers and elegant
typography. The look is accessible and intelligent. That is a challenging combination to create.
5. Best Feature
Bronze: Virginia Business, “Grapes of Gold,” Paula Squires, managing editor
The author produced a fine piece of business reporting while narrating an interesting story. The
economic, statistical, geographic, competitive, and political elements affecting the Virginia wine industry
are integrated through smooth transitions in the writing. This translates into the type of informative analysis
appreciated by readers of business news.
Silver: Florida Trend, “Squeezed: Does Big Citrus Have a Future in Florida?”
Mark Howard, editor
Chronicling an industry under pressure, the author captured the drama of the waning citrus
business through a structured and logical description of the factors affecting the decline. For most
Americans, Florida and OJ are synonymous, and this piece artfully dissects why that traditional correlation
may slowly be eroding.
Gold: Business North Carolina, “A Bridge Over Troubled Water,” David Kinney, editor
Combine a shipwreck and a daring rescue with the critical business, environmental, transportation,
and safety issues that affect an important waterway and business reporting comes to life. The reporter was
able to capture the voices of people asserting conflicting interests, and through their words and viewpoints
reveal the complex decisions this state will need to make.
6. Best Personality Profile
No bronze or silver awards
Gold: Florida Trend, "John Morgan Unplugged," Cynthia Barnett, reporter
Profiles of personal-injury lawyers, especially one whose motto is "For The People," are often
filled with stereotypes or, worse, result in caricature. But Barnett shows Morgan, whose face solemnly
appears on 97 billboards across the Florida peninsula, to be someone whose public persona couldn't be
more different than the actual human being. Barnett taps sources from both the pro- and anti-Morgan camps
to paint a captivating portrait of Morgan's upbringing in a poor, dysfunctional family to his teen-age
entrepreneurism -- he was one of the Three Little Pigs at Disney World -- to his leadership of an
aggressive, 97-lawyer firm
7. Best body of work, single reporter
Bronze: Jacy L. Youn, Hawaii Business
A mix of helpful how-to for area businesses and how-come for all readers.
Youn offers her readers straight-forward guidelines to building customer
relationships, the background necessary to understanding health care
coverage and inspirational lessons in diversification.
Silver: Jerry Grillo, Georgia Trend
Jerry Grillo tackled some significant issues in the past year, including
the high cost of depression in the workplace, especially among business
leaders, and the effects of a nursing shortage on Georgia. A nice weaving
of personal stories with startling numbers and important information.
Gold: Edward Martin, Business North Carolina
Edward Martin uses solid storytelling techniques to bring business stories
alive. Nice detail helps create complete people in stories that might
otherwise rely on disembodied voices to spout facts and figures. Relating
business and economics to people is Martin's strength.
8. Best magazine
Bronze: Business North Carolina, David Kinney, Editor-in-chief and publisher
Business North Carolina provides a practical look at the state business community. The design and
content is accessible to the reader. Feature stories have edgy content with looks at the pay checks of North
Carolina’s top CEOs, the new leader behind the restoration of Duke Power and the fate of the Oregon Inlet.
Silver: ColoradoBiz, Robert Schwab, Editor
This magazine presents a daring combination of stories in a package that is dynamic and engaging.
The cover designs bring readers into the magazine quickly, and the professional look is carried throughout
the magazine. The content ranges from leisure subjects to profiles of business and political leaders with
compelling storytelling.
Gold: Minnesota Business; Editor-in-chief and publisher, Kenan R. Aksoz; Editor Mark Druskoff
By organizing their content beyond traditional departments and features with sections on
Managing Growth, Life & Leisure, Executive Report and LeadingEdge this magazine offers extraordinary
variety and breadth in its coverage. The business community is critically analyzed but in a way in which
readers can enjoy the tale. Attention is paid to leads in features to draw readers into the story, and the
magazine as a whole is easy to navigate.
9. Best Front page
Bronze: Crain’s Chicago Business, Thomas J. Linden
This Crain’s Chicago is clean but has many layers for readers. The photo tells a story and works
effectively with the headline. The serif-sans serif mix adds pleasing contrast to the page.
Silver: Small Business Times, Dan Meyers and Steve Jagler
The editors confront a tough issue of carry and conceal and have conceptualized a strong cover
designed to grab readers’ attention. The sight of a professional carrying gun holsters defies stereotypes. The
secondary teases blend well on the cover.
Gold: Baton Rouge Business Report, Hoa Vu and Jeanne Martin
This cover is not only of a face but in your face. How could you not pick up this paper? The
location of the words is excellent, and the wording explains the cover and the story.
10. Best Feature Layout
Bronze: No award
Silver: Baton Rouge Business Report, “Can You Rescue Your Retirement?” Jeanne Martin, Hoa Vu
Here’s a good example of how sophisticated planning and conceptual illustrations can rescue a
story with no artwork. The consistency of presentation throughout enhances this package. Layering adds to
its strength.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business, “40 Under 40,” Thomas J. Linden, Karen Kellams
Clean typography and effective layering combine with excellent photography for a clear winner
here. Unusual cropping on secondary photographs is extremely well done. Color use is subdued and
enhances, rather than decorates. Beautiful work all around.
11. Best use of photography/illustrations
Bronze: Crain’s New York Business, Steve Krupinski, Art Director
This entry has a good mix of photographs and illustrations. The technical quality of the portraits
is excellent. The illustrations and photographs are given ample size to communicate their message.
Silver: Crain’s Chicago Business, Thomas J. Linden and John R. Boehm
The subjects profiled in Crain’s Chicago Business are accessible because the portraits are often
whimsical. Subjects are posed in unusual ways, and the portraits surprises. From Tom Smart on a
surfboard to Dr. Macumber in a tree, the photos are eye-catching and will bring readers to the stories. The
dominant portraits in the 40 under 40 series are extraordinary and have a cohesive style, while the
secondary portraits are surprisingly able to fit the style and still not overwhelm the package.
Gold: The Daily Record, Baltimore, MD, Mark Cheshire, Editor, Maximilian Franz and Eric Stocklin
The strength of this entry is in the use of photo stories: Hurricane Isabel, the Baltimore Port, arm
wrestling, a taxidermist and art in Havana, Cuba. They use multiple images and stress non-posed,
documentary images. They are given excellent size and space. The visual story telling goes far beyond the
usual portraiture and gives viewers more than one glimpse of a story. This is excellent photojournalism.
The entry also includes strong, single-image covers.
12a. Best Overall Design: Small Tabloids
Bronze: Inside Business, Norfolk, VA, Carol Lichti, editor
The design is clean and consistent throughout. Stories and features are clearly labeled to help
readers navigate the publication. There is also a notable effort to create conceptual visuals for the main
story in each issue. The promotional graphic for the “Forty under 40” section is particularly well done.
Silver: Small Business Times, Steve Jagler, editor
Clear, consistent design and a good hierarchy of typographic styles make this publication inviting
and easy to read. There is a liveliness about it as a result of the many entry points on the pages. There is a
demonstrated attempt in each issue to provide a lively and engaging cover, and the publication uses an
attractive, contemporary color palette.
Gold: MaineBiz; Scott Sutherland, editor
One of many things that stood out in the design of this publication is the listings typography,
which is clean, well spaced, attractive, and easy to read. In fact, those complimentary adjectives can be
used to describe this entire publication. The cover designs also show a good range of flexibility and effort
to go beyond the obvious. The quality of the photography is quite good, as is the printing and reproduction
overall.
12b. Best overall design: Large Tabloids
Bronze: Crain’s New York Business, Greg David, editor
Solid photography and its appropriate display were key factors pushing this publication out front. It
consistently offers visual surprises throughout. The paper’s strong contrast in display type aptly reflects the
liveliness of its market.
Silver: Baton Rouge Business Report, JR Ball, editor
This publication excels at conceptual covers that are compelling and well designed. Inside there is
order and an inviting presentation that is carried out on all levels, from the effective labeling to the overall
consistency in the grid.
Gold: Crain’s Chicago Business, Thomas J. Linden, Timothy Mollette-Parks, Karen Kellams
From cover to cover, this publication is superior. Outstanding photography goes beyond the
standard portrait shots. Attractive typography is used well; listings are clean and easy to read. Labels are
functional; charts are easy to navigate. All of these details work in tandem for highly effective layering and
beautifully presented design.
13. Best feature
Bronze: Jim Sonnenberg (freelance), Crain’s Chicago Business, “The Thrill is Going”
Sonnenberg takes readers down a yellowed, but not mellowed memory lane with his lushly written
homage to the threatened closing of Chicago’s Checkerboard Lounge. The blues are more than the
soundtrack for the South Side, they are big business, and the closing of the Checkerboard could unleash a
domino of business closings. Sonnenberg shows that business profiles can be entertaining as well as
informative; this one uses all the sense to walk you through the nicotine-stained walls of the legendary
blues club.
Silver: Kathleen Johnston Jarboe, The Daily Record, Baltimore, MD, “Fleet Street Outperforms Wall
Street.”
Jarboe offers a glimpse into the little-known business of tax sale auctions, where delinquent
homeowners may find themselves in debt to the winning bidder. This story, though, isn’t just a tale of a
sobbing victim; instead, it tells the complete story – of winning bidders who’ve restored neighborhoods and
of governments who rave about a system that pours money into much-need public coffers.
Gold: Newsroom, Los Angeles Business Journal, “Rich Kids”
In a town known for its excess, how does a wealthy parent make his kid stand out in glittering
crowd? The LA Business Journal takes us into the pampered and pressured world of today’s billion-heirs
and heiresses. This could have been yet another oh-my-gosh Paris Hilton tale, but this package is a wellrounded and thoughtful look into today’s mega wealthy kids. This entry details the excesses (like cashmere
baby blankets), and the intense Jonesing, but also gives you a look into the burden of carrying a famous
name.
14. Best Personality Profile
Bronze: Crain's Chicago Business, "Investors Angry Over Flip's Flops," Julie Johnsson, Senior Reporter
The judges admired the reporter's enterprise in obtaining so much information about a profile
subject that so clearly did not want to talk to the reporter! The reporter used records and former and current
business associates to skillfully tell an amazing story.
Silver: Baton Rouge Business Report, "Loudmouth,"J.R. Ball, editor, Amy Alexander, writer
The most interesting, creative work these judges reviewed. The tone -- carefully crafted to reflect
the story material -- keeps the reader involved from beginning to end. The writer did a fine job of building
an entertaining profile that also informed the reader of the many complexities of the radio business.
Gold: Mainebiz, "The Importance of Being Thos. Moser," Scott Sutherland, editor; Michaela Carallaro,
reporter
This interesting, readable piece is a perfect blend of personality and business intelligence. While
telling the tale of a successful entrepreneur, the writer also manages to inform us of the many changes
underfoot in this Maine institution, all the while keeping the reader focused on the individual. A nice job of
remembering that a profile should do more than flatter and offer anecdotes.
15a. Best scoop: Small tabloids
Bronze: Robert Baun and Kim Lock, Northern Colorado Business Report, "Bud Center ready for some
football"
Weeks before other media would nail the story, these reporters got it right. An indoor football club
was coming to Boulder, meaning revenue for local coffers. This was a rare scoop in the sports world, where
rumors are rampant, but true scoops are few.
Silver: Valerie Gibbons, The Business Journal, Fresno, CA, "'International' takes on new meaning at local
IHOP restaurants."
A fresh look at an emerging topic: Are businesses using Native American-fronted businesses to
skirt state laws? This story examines how a local restaurant chain owner “outsourced” his employees to a
tribal firm in order to avoid California’s strict workman’s compensation laws. The story not only broke
news, but simply explained a complex – and likely illegal – business practice.
Gold: Rita Frankenberry, Inside Business, Norfolk, VA, "Not on board"
Hampton Roads dealers sell many new cars and motorcycles to sailors returning from extended
voyages. But when ships docked last year, they discovered New York-based auto brokers had already been
selling on board – under a noncompetitive agreement with the Navy. This story carefully examined this
new twist to an old practice, and how it doesn’t appear to benefit sailors or government. Further, the story
explained how the practice deprived the area of sales tax benefits, creating community uproar. Local and
national outlets followed this story.
15b Best scoop, large tabloids:
Bronze: Greg Andrews, Indianapolis Business Journal, "Conseco continues tradition of big pay"
Conseco’s excesses won it a place in the corporate hall of shame. But the Indianapolis Business
Journal stuck with the story, and found that the new management was even more generous than the old.
Based on filings publicly available, this story explains how the new math of a non-executive chairman still
doesn’t add up. The story was ahead of the daily competition and was an important watchdog effort for the
millions of Conseco customers and investors.
Silver: Cristina Merrill, Crain's New York Business, "Auto leasing firms threaten to abandon NY."
Auto firms were quietly horrified. A recently enacted New York law paved the way for them to be
named as defendants in lawsuits arising from auto accidents. Merrill learned of the behind-the-scenes
political and legal maneuvering that would eventually lead to three major firms halting leasing within the
state. Merrill scooped a crowded competitive field to bring this story to light, and gave us insight into the
relationship between New York lawmakers, corporations and consumers.
Gold: Greg Hinz, Crain's Chicago Business, "CTA execs on pension gravy train"
Chicago is no stranger to perks for privileged government workers, but when the Chicago Transit
Authority handed out some rich pension perks, it didn’t go unnoticed. Despite the closed door meeting,
Hinz was able to source the story, as well as provide analysis from experts and watchdogs, all without
tipping off the competition. When the Crain’s story hit the newsstand, it sent other Chicago media
scrambling, a true testament to Hinz’ scoop. A strong watchdog effort.
16. Best coverage of local breaking news
Bronze: Brent Snavely and Andrew Dietderich, Crain’s Detroit Business, “The Dark Side”
A hustle against the clock effort covering the Blackout of 2003. When the lights went out, the staff
of Crain’s Detroit Business faced their own internal struggles to cover how local businesses were coping
with the crisis. The group of stories look at the strength of contingency plans, economic losses and worker
reaction.
Silver: Mark Friedman, Arkansas Business, "Remmels Made Decision to Sell, Herrington Says."
When court stories break, it’s sometimes tough to unravel the real story buried in reams of legal
document on deadline. The family owners of Arkansas’ largest privately held insurers reluctantly sold the
company in 2001 at the urging of a family advisor. But they later sued, claiming the advisor and his handpicked CEO were in secret negotiations with the buyer. In clear language, Friedman lays out a complex
story in streamlined language. A rare glimpse into the turmoil inside a family-owned business.
Gold: Greg Andrews, Indianapolis Business Journal, "Merger creates Golden payoff."
When the Golden Rule insurance company was sold, most other reporters focus on purchase price and
executive restructuring. But Greg Andrews dug out a daring angle. Combing through documents, Andrews
found that employees of the company stood to gain $100,000 each, thanks to Golden Rule stock sold to
their ESOP plan. A fresh angle, written in straightforward style.
17. Best Body of Work, Single Reporter
Bronze: Los Angeles Business Journal, Amanda Bronstead
Ahead of the pack in some tough stories, showing a willingness to not just follow the "big boys"
on critical topics important to the readership. Good investigative techniques and some flair in creative
writing.
Silver: Crain’s Chicago Business, Greg Hinz
Solid, multi-source stories that displayed sound reporting on the transportation authority. A
difficult topic explained so well that it made sense so readers could understand. Dogged reporting shown
through great quotes.
Gold: Hartford Business Journal, Laurie Ledger
An impressive variety and versatility to the writing, showing a flair for descriptive language, as
well as a solid foundation in business reporting. Topics well covered with good sources and explanatory
reporting.
18a: Best newspaper: small tabloids
Bronze: Des Moines Business Record, Michael Lovell, editor
This is a well-crafted newspaper with page after page of solid, local stories and quality
photographs. In these days of cookie-cutter media, this newspaper creates a strong sense of place for the
Central Iowa business community.
Silver: New Orleans CityBusiness, Terry O’Connor, editor
Imagine writing about NFL players investing their fortunes or figuring the take from the Southern
Decadence festival or reporting whether the Shim Sham Revue has shimmied its last. In New Orleans,
that’s business news as much as Canal Street revitalization plans or the problems of high-priced housing.
Hooray for the staff of New Orleans City Business for skillfully capturing the vividness and diversity of
business in the Crescent City.
Gold: Mainebiz, Scott Sutherland, editor
This is a smartly edited publication from beginning to end. The sense of place is so strong that
there’s no doubt that this is about Maine business. At the same time, this paper is so inviting that you don’t
have to have any business in Maine before you want to pick it up and start reading it. Outstanding
enterprise reporting, first-rate photography, stylish layouts and clever headlines are all part of the winning
package. It’s very well done.
18b. Best Newspaper: Large Tabloids
Bronze: Indianapolis Business Journal, Tom Harton, editor
This newspaper earns high marks for its intensely local coverage, good enterprise, and newsy short
items. Clean design makes it an easy read. The opinion pages are solid, authoritative, and include lots of
letters, demonstrating the journal’s ability to connect with readers.
Silver: Crain’s New York Business, Greg David, editor
Even a blackout couldn’t keep this staff from publishing. In fact, the blackout issue is among the
most impressive, demonstrating once again how Crain’s puts its considerable editorial resources to the best
possible use. This journal covers interesting things in an interesting way, offers depth in numerous special
reports, and includes a good variety of standing features.
Gold: Los Angeles Business Journal, Mark Lacter, editor
This journal covers the political side of business like no other competitor in this category. In
addition, it includes a wealth of enterprise reporting, good story variety, and solid in-depth coverage. In
fact, the paper is jam-packed with copy, but still easy to navigate, with a useful table of contents and wellpackaged, tightly edited “news you can use” items.
19. Best by-line commentary
Bronze: New Orleans CityBusiness, “Freedoms Shouldn¹t be Casualty in America¹s War on Terrorism” by
Megan Kamerick; Terry O¹Connor, editor
Willing to take on a polarizing issue, this strongly argued column is beautifully written and makes a
strong case for challenging current democracy claims.
Silver: Indianapolis Business Journal, “Free Rides in the Age of Entitlement,” by Bruce Hetrick; Tom
Harton, editor
The author uses great examples to address the important issue of entitlement that resonates with all
readers.
Gold: Georgia Trend, “Sticks and Stones,” by Susan Percy; Neely Young, editor
Words are powerful and they matter. In a well-written and thoughtful column, the author addresses
institutionalized racism and the role of language in race relations.
20. Best Editorial
Bronze: Journal of Business, Spokane, WA, “Expanding gambling in state is a fool’s bet,” Kim Crompton
The editorial goes point by point in explaining why expanding gambling does not work. It does a
good job of pointing out gambling problems in neighboring states.
Silver: Arkansas Business, “A Way Out,” Gwen Moritz, editor
A well reported editorial with good context and sufficient development. The argument makes its
case, is nicely written and has a good conclusion. Strikes an effective non-partisan tone.
Gold: Crain’s Cleveland Business “Tax Attack,” Mark Dodosh, editor
The hard-hitting editorial provides excellent evidence to support its position. It is well argued and
well written and offers a strong call to action.
21. Best Recurring Feature
Bronze: Crain's New York Business, "Small Business," Greg David, Editor
The writers look at trends off the beaten path. Few would think to dissect rising attendance at
networking events, and the story about the meticulous preparation and inspections kosher eateries undergo
was fascinating.
Silver: Crain's Detroit Business, "Small Business Solutions,'' Laura Bailey, Writer
Bailey combines good ideas, strong reporting and smooth writing to produce a strong, entertaining
monthly feature. She takes the readers inside the problems small business owners run into and tells how to
solve them. Dealing with "slow payers" was particularly strong.
Gold: Oregon Business, "Future Oregon," Mitchell Hartman, editor
The feature takes a wonderful look at where Oregon is and where it might be headed. It examines
areas such as farming, economics, education, and the writers aren't afraid to say there are some problems
ahead. Excellent reporting and writing makes the series a quick read.
22. Best Investigative Reporting
Bronze: Crain's Chicago Business, James B. Arndorfer and Steve Daniels
Crain's Chicago Business reporters and editors published strong individual stories about
specific highly compensated executives at varying corporations, then strengthened the impact of each story
by returning to the topic multiple times during the year. Persistence sometimes is as important as quality
reporting and writing.
Silver: Baton Rouge Business Report, Tom Guarisco, "Who's to Blame?"
Sometimes retrospective reporting does little more than inform readers about what is already
known; reporting before a corporate collapse is usually preferable. But that prospective reporting is not
always practical. Mr. Guarisco builds his review on a lawsuit, working through the allegations so that
readers are able to make informed judgments about whether Deloitte and Touche auditors played a
significant role in the problems of United Companies Financial Corp.
Gold: Florida Trend, Cynthia Barnett, "Home Sick"
Before writing about Florida's construction lien law, Ms. Barnett examined one year's worth of
claims that ended up at the Construction Industries Recovery Fund. Her documents research, combined
with interviews, yielded compelling case studies while also explaining the big picture.
23. Best Explanatory Journalism
Bronze: Central Penn Business Journal, "All Stocked Up and Dangerous to Eat," Susan Gvodas and Cathy
Rubin
This article takes a look at the disturbing truth that Pennsylvania's fish are contaminated with mercury,
PCBs and other substances harmful to humans. The story does a nice job of showing how the contaminants
get into water bodies and why the problem persists across the Keystone State.
Silver: Los Angeles Business Journal, "Fixing the System," Howard Fine and Laurence Darmiento, staff
reporters.
Nearly everyone who's followed the news in the past year knows that California was in the midst of
political and economic upheaval. Fine and Darmiento do a great job in getting beyond the headlines. They
dig into the complex reasons for California's woes and touch upon potential solutions. This could be an
overwhelming story to tell, but the Business Journal divides the story into digestible articles, which Fine
and Darmiento present with clear writing.
Gold: Business North Carolina, "Whither the East?" David Kinney, editor
This issue of the magazine provides a clear, in-depth look at the economic problems that plague
eastern North Carolina and potentially threaten the rest of the state. All of the elements -- the stories,
photographs, charts and maps -- stay sharply focused on the big picture. The cover story, "Down East,"
does a remarkable job of showing why the region's economic health matters and the sidebars dig nicely into
the specific industries that have an impact in the region.
24. Best local spin of a national business/economic story
Bronze: Central Penn Business Journal, "Gay at Work," Tom Barstow, editor
Takes on a challenging and timely subject with state and national context to complement local
sourcing. Good job of using people to tell the story. Resource list and ducational approach gives workers
and employers information they need. Packaging helps readers navigate political and legal issues.
Silver: Hawaii Business, "Liquid Assets," David K. Choo, Cathy S. Cruz and Kelli Abe Trifonovitch
A forward-looking approach to a critical resource issue. Historical and political context combined
in a well-rounded presentation. Attention to new technologies reinforced focus on the future.
Gold: Los Angeles Business Journal, "L.A.'s Hidden Money," Mark Lacter, editor
This comprehensive package frames a complex and important issue in ways that make it easy to
read and understand. Balances the recognition that this is a story about real people and places with expert
analysis and a critical examination of the available facts. Gets at angles that could easily be overlooked or
understated.
25. Best Headlines
Bronze: Crain’s New York Business, Greg David, editor; Wendy Zuckerman, copy desk chief
Headlines take familiar phrases and make them new by interjecting the unexpected. “Designer
strategy: Sell low, sell high” is an example of this. “The French kiss of death” combines two everyday
phrases into a hammer that makes readers want to find out more, which is delivered immediately in the
deck. Quality is consistent, right down to small subheds.
Silver: Florida Trend, Mark Howard, editor, and John Annunziata
Good word play in hammers works well with decks to tell the story with a touch of humor. “Flat
Baroque” and “Palm Pilots” are inspired and work in tandem with decks to satisfy readers at a glance.
Gold: Business North Carolina, David Kinney, editor
Headline writers often shy away from pun headlines because of the risk involved in writing them.
In this case, though, the headlines put enough of a twist on cliches to make them fresh. The double meaning
in “Finis” and the intentional dyslexia in “Film-flam” are memorable. Hammer heds and decks work well
together to entice readers to linger awhile while delivering enough information at a glance to satisfy readers
in a hurry.
26. Best Special Section Design
Bronze: Baton Rouge Business Report, “Nine most influential women in business,” Jeanne Martin/Marie
Constantin
An elegant package that uses strong photos big, this winner makes the most of simplicity. White
space and powerful typography provide the power. “Nine” also employs the best sort of consistency – one
that operates within a pattern without being repetitive. The cover is not as impressive as the rest of the
entry, but overall this is a fine section.
Silver: Crain’s New York Business, “40 under 40,” Steve Krupinski, art director
Basically an elevated list, this subject is one of the most difficult to design. Crain’s uses subtle
color and clever typography to do the job. Pleasant yet never boring, consistent yet with the right emphasis
in the right places – the package works well. The cover is a masterpiece in terms of using words as THE
design element.
Gold: Hawaii Business, “A-Game,” Wes Fungi/David Choo.
The delight is in the details. Although the package is bold where it needs to be (dominant images
come to mind), attention must be paid to its table of contents, its lightly screened overlays and other such
touches. The designers are to be congratulated on balancing the techniques that provide pizzazz with those
that provide information in an orderly manner.
27. Most Improved Publication
Gold: Baton Rouge Business Report
The redesign of the Baton Rouge Business Report changed the editorial content as well as
appearance. The magazine is complete and offers its readers story variety in topic, tone, length and voice.
Driven by content, the design is both orderly and interesting. The changes have created a more
sophisticated, relevant publication, yet still a very readable one.
28. Best Web Site
Bronze: Crain’s New York Business, www.crainsnewyork.com, Wendy Blake
Many sites with great content bury their goodies beneath layers of menus and cryptic links.
Crain’s New York Business supplements the obligatory home-page headlines with a simple but effective
site index that lets readers zero in on the information they want.
Silver: Crain’s Chicago Business, www.chicagobusiness.com, Christine Woolsey, Online Editor
Crain’s Chicago Business is a highly customer-focused site that is packed with information. If
you’re planning your daily commute, studying market demographics or looking for venture capital,
Chicago Business has tools to help you. Attractive design and user-friendly site navigation make all that
information easy to find.
Gold: Arkansas Business, www.arkansasbusiness.com, Lance Turner, Brent Birch
With fewer resources than its big-city counterparts, Arkansas Business nevertheless offers readers
excellent, in-depth content and an impressive array of information resources for the local business
community. The site’s “Submit Data” is an excellent example of simple but effective interactivity. Access
to all this content is bolstered by sharp, clean design and intuitive site navigation.
2004 AABP Editorial Excellence Awards Judges
All from University of Missouri School of Journalism
Jackie Bell joined the Photojournalism faculty in January 2001 after two years of teaching at the
University of Montana. She has 15 years of experience as a staff photographer at The Tennessean, The Fort
Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and The Arizona Daily Star.
Judy Bolch, Harte Chair at the University of Missouri, was managing editor/enterprise at The News &
Observer in Raleigh, NC. She has also worked at several other newspapers, taught at North Carolina State
University and Duke University and is the co-author of a textbook on in-depth reporting.
Bonnie Brennen, PhD, associate professor, has five years experience as a community newspaper reporter
and seven years management experience in corporate communication.
Len Bruzzese is the deputy director of Investigative Reporters and Editors and an assistant professor at the
University of Missouri School of Journalism. He was an editor for 20 years at such newspapers as USA
Today, The Clarion-Ledger, Pensacola News Journal and The Olympian.
Anita Bruzzese is a nationally syndicated workplace columnist for Gannett News Service and USA Today,
and author of "Take This Job and Thrive." She also serves as the managing editor for The Investigative
Reporters and Editors Journal at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Pia Christensen is the publications coordinator for Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. and the
National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting. She has worked as a copy editor and an online
producer at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and as a sports copy editor for the Marin Independent Journal.
Jan Colbert, an associate professor, teaches design and writing. She has designed for such publications as
the IRE Journal, is managing editor of the National Book Critics Circle Journal and co-editor of The
Reporter’s Handbook. She has judged design entries for several national competitions.
Stephanie Craft wrote for the Orange County Register, Arkansas Gazette and Spokesman-Review. She
joined Missouri’s faculty in 1999 after completing doctoral work at Stanford University.
Fritz Cropp, PhD, is an assistant professor. He has 13 years of experience in journalism, marketing
communications and public relations and has taught at Missouri and Syracuse University for six years.
Charles Davis, PhD, is an associate professor. Davis worked for nearly 10 years at newspapers, magazines
and a news service in Georgia, Florida and Ireland. He taught at Georgia Southern University and Southern
Methodist University before joining the Missouri faculty.
Mike Fuhlhage is a news editor at the Columbia Missourian and faculty member at the University of
Missouri School of Journalism. He has 12 years of experience as an editor and designer at The Santa Fe
New Mexican, The Des Moines Register, The Desert Sun of Palm Springs, Calif., the Lawrence (Kan.)
Journal-World and The St. Cloud (Minn.) Times.
Michael Grinfeld is an associate professor at the Missouri School of Journalism. A veteran newspaper and
magazine reporter, he teaches magazine writing.
David Herzog is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where he
teaches computer-assisted reporting. Before joining the faculty in January 2002, he was an investigative
reporter for the Providence Journal in Rhode Island and, before that, the editor for computer-assisted
reporting at The Morning Call in Allentown, PA.
Brant Houston is executive director of Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. and an associate professor
at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Before joining IRE, he was an investigative reporter at
The Hartford Courant and the Kansas City Star. He is the author of "Computer-Assisted Reporting: A
Practical Guide."
George Kennedy is a professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and managing editor of
the school's teaching newspaper, the Columbia Missourian. A former Neiman Fellow, he was a reporter and
bureau chief for The Miami Herald. He is co-author of two books on reporting and writing.
Mary Lawrence is a visiting research associate at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She
was an award-winning editorial writer and columnist for The Indianapolis News, served as managing editor
of The Geauga Times Leader and The Marion Star, and worked on the copy desks of the European edition
of The Stars & Stripes and The Wall Street Journal/Europe.
Mike McKean, associate professor, teaches online journalism and is web director of KOMU.com. He
conducts web training for American and international broadcasters and is a regular participant in a media
criticism program on KBIA-FM. McKean received his B.J. from Missouri and his M.A. in political science
from Rice University.
Daryl Moen, professor, is the former editor of three daily newspapers. He is author or co-author of four
books on design and writing and conducts seminars and consults with publications internationally. He
coordinates the AABP contest judging.
Jennifer Moeller, assistant professor, teaches magazine design and writing at the University of Missouri
School of Journalism. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Missouri, and has been a
judge of several national competitions, including the City and Regional Magazine Association.
Ray Murray is assistant sports editor of the Columbia Missourian and an instructor at the University of
Missouri School of Journalism. He has been a writer and copy editor in sports and a copy editor and
designer in news at other daily newspapers
Earnest L. Perry is an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. A veteran
reporter and editor, he teaches cross cultural journalism and journalism history.
Cynthia Reinardy, an instructor at the Missouri School of Journalism, teaches newspaper design. She has
worked for several daily newspapers in the design department.
John Schneller is an assistant professor of journalism and city editor for the Columbia Missourian. His
professional practice includes reporter, city editor and projects editor for the Columbia Daily Tribune.
Pat Smith is the managing editor of IPI Global Journalist magazine at the University of Missouri School
of Journalism, where she also teaches a basic News class. She has worked as an editor and art director at
consumer and controlled-circulation magazines and as a newspaper reporter and editor.
Brian Steffens, former senior vice president and editor of the Editor & Publisher Co., is executive director
of the National Newspaper Association and adjunct associate professor at the University of Missouri
School of Journalism. He has also been editor of Quill magazine and held newsroom leadership positions at
several newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union, Orange County Register, St. Paul
Pioneer Press, Miami Herald and Detroit News.
Marty Steffens holds an endowed chair in business reporting at the University of Missouri School of
Journalism. She is a former department head or editor at several newspapers, including the Orange County
Register, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Examiner.
Reuben Stern was the design editor for the Los Angeles Daily News before joining the University of
Missouri School of Journalism faculty in August 2002. He has worked as a designer, editor and graphic
artist at several newspapers over the past 10 years and has overseen a number of newspaper redesign
projects.
Brian Wallstin is a city editor at the Columbia Missourian and a faculty member at the School of
Journalism, where he teaches magazine writing. He has 12 years experience as a feature writer and
enterprise and investigative reporter at the Waterbury Republican-American and the Houston Press.
Steve Weinberg is the author of biographies and books about the craft of journalism, seven in all with two
more under contract. He teaches investigative reporting, critical reviewing and magazine writing.
Curt Wohleber is the Columbia Missourian’s online editor and teaches online journalism at University of
Missouri School of Journalism. He worked for 10 years in newspaper, magazine and Internet publishing
before joining U of M faculty in 1996.