2007 Ma Murray Awards breaks records!

The BC & Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) held its annual Terasen Gas / BCYCNA Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards on Saturday, April 14, 2007. We were happy to return to the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel for a sleek and elegant evening highlighted by a truly amazing meal, superb service, and a great celebration of our industry.

On Friday evening, publishers, newspaper staff, advertising representatives and industry friends kicked off the weekend at the 2007 Agency Mingler. Friday the 13th gave us a theme of "Do you feel lucky?" - and some guests certainly did, winning great prizes including a 37" LCD HDTV, a trip for two to Vegas, and an XBox 360! Others simply enjoyed the view from high up on the 35th floor of the Wall Centre, and indulged in some tasty hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and socializing.

On Saturday morning, a full day of seminars kicked off with Jack Hart, managing editor of the Oregonian. Jack's editorial session, entitled "True Stories," was a huge success, with attendees leaving comments such as, "First-class resource person [with] .a perfect combination of professionalism, knowledge and informality." Following a brief lunch, Tom Braid's photography seminar, "Shooting Pictures Tight and Bright" was met with comments like, "Infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge." The final session from John Young, called "Creating Advertising that Works," received comments like, "educational and informative," and "totally applicable to my job." Overall, the seminars, held in Vancouver and also the day prior in Prince George, were a great success.

Meanwhile, CN and the BCYCNA sponsored a Scholarship Luncheon where a record of almost $25,000 was handed out to university students from all over British Columbia (click here to see the scholarship winners). The selected students all hope to pursue careers in community newspapers: graphic design, journalism, photography, and within sales, business, and marketing.

Emcees Gloria Macarenko and Zack Spencer guided us through the evening with a delightful rapport, and comedian Todd Butler was a roaring success with his musical parodies and political satire. And don't even mention the peppercorn tenderloin and three-chocolate dessert! Food and service were just stellar at the Wall Centre.

This year's Eric Dunning Integrity Award recipient was Roy Linder of the Nanaimo News Bulletin. With an unparalleled level of community leadership, dedication, and loyalty, Roy Linder is deserving of this recognition. The BCYCNA Board of Directors is pleased to honour his character with the Eric Dunning Integrity Award.

In total, the BCYCNA handed out awards in 40 categories of the Terasen Gas Ma Murray Community Newspapers Competition, and all were well-received and will surely be proudly displayed in community newspaper offices all over British Columbia and the Yukon.

Click here to see the 2007 winners!

The celebration didn't end with the awards. When the gala was over, everyone was invited up to the Constellation Suite on the 35th floor of the Wall Centre for a Hospitality Suite like no other. With a DJ, two levels, two balconies, and a 180 degree view from high above the city, this party went on late into the night.

The 2007 Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards were an overwhelming success. The BCYCNA would like to thank our title sponsor, Terasen Gas, as well as our major event sponsors, Catalyst Paper, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and CN, for their continued support of the community newspaper industry. We would also like to thank all of our awards sponsors: the Black family, Bell Canada, British Columbia Arts Council, British Columbia Automobile Association, British Columbia Press Council, Canada Post, Canadian Bankers Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ross & Sandra Dunning, Horizon Publications, Hub International, Jeff Gaulin Media, New Car Dealers Association of BC, News-Net, Royal British Columbia Museum, TELUS, Thompson Rivers University School of Journalism, and Vancouver Area Newspaper Network.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, 2008 when we'll be returning to the River Rock Casino Resort for the 2008 Ma Murray Gala!