With 43 awards, farragutpress among state TPA leaders
CHATTANOOGA — While handing over the gavel after serving a one-year term as Tennessee Press Association president, Doug Horne witnessed his hometown paper, which he owns, reach a distinguished position among all TPA publications statewide.
Once again led by its advertising and production departments combining forces to earn 36 TPA awards, 13 of those first-place honors, farragutpress was among the state leaders in total awards recognized during the TPA convention Thursday and Friday, July 18-19, in The Read House Hotel.
Among the categories aced, thanks to the leadership and creativity of advertising manager Sherry Long, production manager Tony Christen, graphic designer Cindy
Wilfert and junior designer Riley Woody, were Best Sales Promotion for a Retailer, Best Reader Contest and Best Feature Page or Pages.
Twelve second-place and 11 third-place awards also were earned — with farragutpress sweeping a few categories.
“The advertising awards were wonderful,” said Tony Cox, farragutpress publisher, president of Republic Newspapers, Inc. (parent company of farragutpress) and general manager of Horne Radio, LLC. “The communication between advertiser to account executive and then account executive to graphic designer is what allows the advertising message to clearly and creatively designed.
“Years of experience, attention to details and a constant goal to create the best message for the advertiser is what builds long-lasting business relationships,” he added.
Long’s efforts in advertising were assisted by the talents of account executives Charlene Waggoner and Laura Sayers.
As for editorial recognition, farragutpress earned seven awards, three of those first-place (Makeup & Appearance, Community Lifestyles and Best Sports Coverage).
“I couldn’t be more proud of the editorial staff of farragutpress,” Cox said. “This newsroom is small and works hard week after week to provide local news coverage about Farragut and the surrounding community. It’s very satisfying when it is recognized by your peers in the industry.”
“The contributions of Tammy Cheek and Michelle Hollenhead, our general assignment reporters, were critical in winning first-place honors in Community Lifestyles,” said Alan Sloan, farragutpress editor.
“Tony Christen also was the biggest reason for our top finish in Makeup & Appearance, with help from Cindy, who is equally talented,” he added. “As for Best Sports Coverage, that’s mostly thanks to Ken Lay, our talented, reliable and ever-popular correspondent.” Moreover, “As a general guiding force, while still letting us do our jobs, I also thank Tony Cox,” Sloan said.
Other editorial awards: third place for Best Feature Photograph (Hollenhead) and third for Best Business Coverage (Cheek); fifth for Best Special Issue or Section and fifth for Best Sports Photograph (Carlos Reveiz).
“I was especially proud these awards were earned on Doug Horne’s watch as TPA president,” Sloan said. “He’s been extremely supportive of the entire farragutpress staff dating back to when I started full-time at this paper in 2002.”
