As printed in Publish magazine, from the Association of Community Publishers
For Sylvia Weinstein Craft, publishing has never just been about putting ink on paper. It’s been about people — telling their stories, lifting them up, and giving a community something positive to gather around. That’s why the Association of Community Publishers has named her the 2025 Publisher of the Year.
Craft’s journey in communications spans more than 45 years, but her reputation was built on much more than professional know-how in advertising, marketing and public relations. She has always been the kind of leader who rolls up her sleeves and gets involved, whether it’s serving on local boards, mentoring students or cheering on the small businesses that make her hometown of Newport News thrive.
Education has always been close to her heart. She has served on the Virginia Council on Vocational Education and a Blue-Ribbon Task Force of the State Board of Education, and for 10 years she gave her time and expertise to Christopher Newport University’s Luter School of Business. From 2006 to 2012, she extended that passion to the youngest learners, publishing Kidsville News!, a free educational newspaper distributed in schools throughout Newport News, York County and James City County–Williamsburg. For countless children, it was their first introduction to the joy of reading the news.
Her commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Along with numerous community and professional leadership awards, Craft has twice been honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration with its Women in Business Advocate Award. Those who know her, though, will tell you that recognition was never the point. Her drive has always been about helping people succeed.
That spirit is at the heart of her proudest creation, Oyster Pointer. More than 38 years ago, Craft recognized something was missing: a local paper that focused not on problems, but on possibilities. She wanted to highlight the “sunny side of business” and share stories that made people smile. Today, Oyster Pointer is still doing just that, filling its pages with the good news of neighbors and businesses that keep the community strong. Its design and content have repeatedly earned national recognition in the Best of the Best Publication Awards contest, but its heartbeat has always remained deeply local.
“Sylvia represents everything this award is about,” said ACP Executive Director Cassey Recore. “She has built a publication that not only informs, but uplifts. Her commitment to community, education and positive storytelling has inspired publishers throughout our industry. We are proud to honor her as Publisher of the Year.”
Even now, Craft is right where she’s happiest — out in the community, meeting business owners, listening to their journeys, and turning those conversations into stories that celebrate the best of Newport News.
As she accepts the 2025 ACP Publisher of the Year award, Craft is being honored not just for her publishing achievements, but also for her unwavering belief that positive stories can change a community. For 38 years and counting, she has proven that good news is worth sharing — and that’s the kind of legacy that lasts.
