Springfield Business Journal recognized as top weekly paper

Springfield Business Journal received three awards at the 144th annual Missouri Press Association Convention held Oct. 14-16 in Lake Ozark.

The awards, dubbed the Better Newspaper Contest, were given by the Missouri Press Foundation, the philanthropic and educational arm of the MPA, during an Oct. 16 luncheon. The awards were judged by members of the Iowa Newspaper Association.

Springfield Business Journal received a first place award for General Excellence Weekly in its circulation category.

Judge comments noted that SBJ's "solid writing, insightful reporting, clean organization and compelling ad design" made up for its lack in sports and opinion writing.

SBJ also received first place in its category for Best Special Section, for Features Editor Maria Hoover's Focus In Small Business Week section in the April 27-May 3, 2009, issue.

According to the judges, the section features "well-written stories packaged in an interesting, easy-to-read layout."

SBJ received second place for Best Information Graphic in the weekly newspaper group for Aaron J. Scott's graphic in a story from June 2009 titled "Home sale data send conflicting signals."

Judges commented that the graphic was colorful and allowed for quick reference of various local districts.

SBJ received an honorable mention for Best Online Newspaper/Web site in its category.

Area newspapers, including Christian County Headliner News, Marshfield Mail, Neosho Daily News and Joplin Globe, also received awards at the convention.

Newspapers receive awards in a variety of categories, with a focus on general excellence, community service and investigative reporting.

The complete list of award winners can be found on the MPA Web site.
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