We write about all the efforts of local residents, their triumphs and their stories in the 100 Mile House Free Press.
Trumpeting your own successes is not something people are comfortable with, but heralding one of our own is a story that should be shared with our readers.
For the past 90 years, the BC & Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYNA) has been hosting the Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards.
The accolades recognize all aspects of the newspaper industry, including production, publishing, reporting, editing, advertising, photography, website design and community contribution.
Free Press publisher Chris Nickless and graphic designer Kerri Mingo brought home the "gold" for their collaborative ad design award.
Newspapers Canada announced the winners of 2012 Great Ideas Awards nationally, and Nickless and Mingo's ad placed second in the Community Newspapers category with circulation up to 3,999.
This year's competition drew a record 371 entries from 60 daily and community newspapers from across the country.
The award-winning design was an idea Nickless had for a local car dealer during Halloween season, finding a sample for Mingo that was similar to what he wanted.
"Chris had this idea of a goblin glaring through a ripped section of paper," says Mingo.
"A graphic was on our graphic service, but I had to manipulate it to create the vision I had for the ad."
Mingo adds she wanted a scary graphic ripping through the ad, so with the help of photo shop altered the face to resemble a green red-eyed hulk figure.
The judges deemed the design as "very impressive ad ... love the white space, arresting visual and nice tie into Halloween."
The ad stated that this is not trick ... the treats are waiting for you at Central GM, 100 Mile House.
"It’s hard for advertisers to justify white space," Mingo says, adding most like to fill the space with their product.
"But as a designer, I loved the whole idea, the graphic, and the text, everything about it."
With newspaper advertising, you are constantly working with deadlines, Mingo says, adding she is creating an ad that reflects information the advertiser and their sales representative gives her.
The awards dinner at the Red Rock Casino Resort on April 14 was like going to the Oscars, says Mingo, with all the trimmings. The duty of master of ceremonies was shared by comedian Dan Quinn and Global BC anchor Jill Krop. Mingo says they both made the evening something she will always remember.
"I was pretty excited and pretty nervous. They don't announce the winners until that evening. It was a proud moment for me and I'm grateful to Chris and the Free Press for the opportunity to design this ad."
Newspapers Canada announced the winners of 2012 Great Ideas Awards nationally, and Nickless and Mingo's ad placed second in the Community Newspapers category with circulation up to 3,999.
This year's competition drew a record 371 entries from 60 daily and community newspapers from across the country.
Says Nickless: "I'm very proud of all the creative people we have at the Free Press. We are fortunate to have talented staff members like Kerri working for us."