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May 2004 Update

Mark Allan honoured at BCYCNA convention

B.C. & Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) held its annual convention on April 23rd and 24th at the Vancouver Sheraton Wall Centre. The weekend was a great success and highlights included the Agency Mingler at SkyBar, the Scholarship Luncheon and the Awards Gala Dinner.

On Friday afternoon, the BCYCNA Board of Directors held meetings to discuss government relations strategy as well as other board business, and watched an archiving presentation by the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association.

On Friday night, over 120 publishers, advertising representatives and awards finalists kicked off the weekend at Vancouver’s ultra-cool SkyBar. The timing was perfect for the after-work crowd and also a good social for those attending the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, CN and the BCYCNA sponsored a Scholarship Luncheon where $15,000 in scholarships was handed out to university students from Kwantlen University College, University of Victoria, Camosun College, Capilano College, University College of the Cariboo and Langara College. The students who received the scholarships all hope to pursue a career in community newspapers, in print media and within sales and advertising.

Terasen and NorskeCanada sponsored this year’s President’s Reception. Joyce Carlson presented John Norrington of NorskeCanada with a plaque for his many years of support to the B.C. community newspaper industry. John, a long time friend of our industry, is retiring this fall. Brian McCristall, BCYCNA president for two years, and director Tony Richards were also acknowledged for their contribution to the association.

More than 200 people attended the Awards Gala dinner on Saturday night co-hosted by CBC’s Steve Burgess and Kathryn Gretsinger. The ever-so-funny Johnny Bagpipes provided this year's entertainment. Johnny had the crowd roaring with laughter with his rendition of classic rock music and sirens on his bagpipes as well as his sidesplitting comedy routine. In a word, hilarious!

BCYCNA handed out awards in 38 categories of the Alcan 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.

This year's Eric Dunning Integrity Award recipient was Mark Allan of the North Island Gazette. Handling the roles of both publisher and editor of the Gazette in Port Hardy, Mark’s reputation for fair comment and open door lead his staff to nominate him for this award. Throughout his career, Mark has been a model for community service, volunteering with Big Brothers, the SPCA, the Rotary Club, and Theatre Northwest, to name a few. The BCYCNA Board of Directors is pleased to honour his experience, his integrity, and his commitment to community with the Eric Dunning Integrity Award.

The 2004 Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards were an overwhelming success. The BCYCNA would like to thank the event sponsors Alcan, CN, NorskeCanada and Terasen for their continued support of the community newspaper industry. As well, the BCYCNA would like to thank our awards sponsors: Alan & Adelaide Black, Bell, British Columbia Arts Council, BCAA, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, BC Press Council, Canada Post, Canadian Bankers Association, CGA Association of BC, CIBC, ComBase, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Horizon Publications, Ross & Sandra Dunning, TELUS, TOS Insurance Services, TV Media, University College of the Cariboo Journalism Department, VanNet and Verified Circulation.

The 2005 Convention will be held on April 22nd to April 23rd at the Vancouver Sheraton Wall Centre. See you there!

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