Oyster Pointer wins IFPA awards

Oyster Pointer has been recognized with three awards in the 2019 – 20 Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) annual competition. IFPA is a nonprofit international trade association representing Free Circulation Publishers throughout the United States and Canada.

According to Douglas Fry, executive director of IFPA, there were 475 entries in this year’s contest. Judges for the contest were from the communications departments of Middle Tennessee State University and Columbia State Community College.

A third-place honor was awarded a single advertisement – large space, recognizing Advanced ENT & Allergy, offices of Dr. Timothy Queen. According to the judges, “The use of an iconic Uncle Sam worked very well to invite the reader into the ad. The QR code worked flawlessly. That is a great way to include additional information and calls to action in an ad. This was a great use of a large illustration to demand attention.” Oyster Pointer’s graphic design team of SHS Design developed the ad, along with Sarah O’Dorisio, administrator with Advanced ENT & Allergy.

A second place for original writing was awarded for a personal column written by Charles “Buddy” Alligood of Greensboro, North Carolina, and formerly of Hampton. Judges felt Alligood had written an amusing story of his interaction with a sour teacher from his youth. The column was engaging, funny and brought back similar thoughts from the judges’ own youth.

A second-place award was presented for the paper’s website design. Judges said the website was well designed, providing a “thoughtful approach to including editorial, sales messages and photos. The website was easy to navigate, clean and a simple approach to website design.” Stewart Sanders, of SHS Design, designs and manages the website.

“We are delighted to have been recognized by such a prestigious association,” says Sylvia Weinstein Craft, publisher. ““We feel this a great compliment to the paper.”

Oyster Pointer has been covering businesses in and around Oyster Point for 35 years. It strives to cover the wide array of well known and not so well known businesses in and around the Oyster Point area and its surrounding cities. It also works to include columnists covering a multitude of subjects, such as business practices and health matters.

Craft credits the success of the paper to her outstanding team, which includes Sara and Stewart Sanders, responsible for graphics, layout and design; Brian DePrinzio, Oyster Pointer’s business manager; and the many talented writers, columnists and photographers.

Oyster Pointer is only as strong as the advertisers who support it and to them, we express our sincere thanks,” Craft says. “We are proud to be the paper that people in the Oyster Point area look to for good news. We have tried to grow with the area and incorporate many different businesses and subjects on our pages. We are proud to be known as the “good news” paper.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*