SC Biz News wins 21 awards from S.C. Press Association

The Winter 2017 edition of SCBIZ Magazine was named the best magazine or specialty publication in the state by the S.C. Press Association during the trade group’s annual meeting Saturday in Columbia.

It was one of 21 awards SC Biz News publications won in the associate member category.

“SCBIZ stands out for the diversity and quality of coverage,” judges from the press association wrote. “A first-rate magazine that drew me in with the agribusiness cover story. A+ for articles, photography, design and ads.”

Overall, SC Biz News won nine first-place awards for writing, design and event marketing in newspapers and magazines. The Charleston Regional Business Journal and the Columbia Regional Business Report each won five awards overall.

First Place

Magazine or specialty publication: SCBIZ Magazine, Ryan Wilcox, Jane James and Licia Jackson, “Winter 2017”

• Judges’ comments: “This category was nearly impossible to judge… 17 outstanding entries bursting with interesting elements. All entrants should be proud of the specialty publications they produce. SCBIZ stands out for the diversity and quality of coverage. A first-rate magazine that drew me in with the agribusiness cover story. A+ for articles, photography, design and ads.”

News reporting: Melinda Waldrop, Columbia Regional Business Report — “Restoring the golden grain”

• Judges’ comments: “A very interesting topic and great overall story. Bringing foods that are so important to our areas back from the brink of extinction and learning about the guy’s journey is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ stories. Very impressive.”

Business reporting: Melinda Waldrop, Columbia Regional Business Report — “S.C. among leading states in growth of women-owned businesses”

• Judges’ comments: “Good lead. Concrete example, followed by good detail of how it is going, sprinkled with national and state info. Well done job.”

Editorial writing: Paul Fletcher, S.C. Lawyers Weekly — “Pass the federal shield law bill”

• Judges’ comments: “Excellent presentation of the facts with a strong call to action. An important topic.”

Column writing: Melinda Waldrop, Columbia Regional Business Report — “Just doing our jobs: When journalists become the story”

• Judges’ comments: “Well-written column that both journalists and readers will connect with. This entry stands out in a touch category with many wonderful columns.”

Page one design: Ryan Wilcox, Charleston Regional Business Journal

• Judges’ comments: “Strong front page design. Packs in a lot of information, but it isn’t cluttered.”

Feature page design: Andrew Sprague, Lake Wylie Today

• Judges’ comments: “Playful design that really works for this topic. Like everything about this page… fonts, color choices, graphics. Great job!”

Infographic: Jessica Stout, GSA Business Report — “The economic impact of the Bassmaster”

• Judges’ comments: “Interesting infographic provides readers a quick summary about the tournament. Color and art draw readers into facts and stats.”

Event marketing: Jane James, SC Biz News — “2018 STEM Career Fair”

• Judges’ comments: “Cool event. Cohesive marketing materials. Loved how your post-event thank you ad already started next year’s event promo.”

Second Place

• Newspaper publication: Columbia Regional Business Report
• News reporting: Patrick Hoff, Charleston Regional Business Journal — “Medal of Honor museum to look at other locales”
• Reporting in-depth: Melinda Waldrop, Columbia Regional Business Report — “The SCANA saga”
• Business reporting: Steve McDaniel, SCBIZ Magazine — “The Heritage: A 50-year story of success and resilience”
• Page one design: Jessica Stout, GSA Business Report
• Feature page design: Andrew Sprague, Lake Wylie Today
• Infographics: Ryan Wilcox, SCBIZ Magazine — “Planes Made in S.C.”

Third Place

• Newspaper publication: Charleston Regional Business Journal
• News reporting: Patrick Hoff, Charleston Regional Business Journal — “Tensions run high during short-term rental debate”
• Business reporting: Ross Norton, GSA Business Report — “Bassmaster Classic brings $23M to economy”
• Feature page design: Ryan Wilcox, SCBIZ Magazine
• Electronic newsletter/publication: “Daily Journal,” Charleston Regional Business Journal