Staff Writer
“10+++,” wrote judges of the National Newspaper Association’s 2013 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest.
The comment was made regarding the Pagosa Springs Official Visitor Guide, summer edition, which, for the third consecutive year, took first place in its category.
In addition to the first place award, The SUN also took second and third places in the division with the Pagosa Springs Official Visitor Guide, winter edition, and the Pagosa Springs Real Estate and Relocation Guide, respectively.
It was the first time the latter two guides were entered into the contest.
“It was exciting that our guides received such high awards and recognition in a national competition,” said Terri House, Pagosa Springs SUN publisher.
Winners of the 2013 BNAC contest were announced July 19 and will be recognized during an award reception during NNA’s 127th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix in September.
Of the second-place winter guide, the judges commented, “Obvious talent in your shop. Layout, typography, photography all combined make for a beautiful section.”
Of the third-place guide, the judges commented, “Continuing to showcase the beauty of your area and the talents of your staff.”
“Hearing that we won these prestigious national awards, after also placing top at the state level earlier this year, makes me even more appreciative of our incredibly talented and hardworking Pagosa Springs SUN staff,” House said.
There were 1,777 entries in the Better Newspaper Contest and 375 entries in the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest, for a total of 2,152 entries. A total of 544 awards were won by 140 member newspapers in 41 states.
Judging was performed primarily by active community newspaper editors and publishers and included retired university journalism professors, and retired or former newspaper men and women.
“The success of these publications are due, in part, to the positive and productive partnerships we have established with the community’s businesses, the Town of Pagosa Springs, the Town Tourism Committee and the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce,” House said. “We are grateful for Pagosa Country, its natural beauty and amenities, our talented residents and our numerous volunteer organizations for all coming together to provide us with the quality materials that we use to produce these award-winning publications.”
randi@pagosasun.com
