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Treasure hunt for ad ideas

John Foust
John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. Email him for information at john@johnfoust.com.

Some years ago, I attended an exhibit of treasure from the Atocha shipwreck which treasure hunter Mel Fisher had located off the coast of Florida. The Atocha was the most famous ship in the Spanish fleet that sank in 1622 in a hurricane near the Florida Keys. The exhibit was at a jewelry store that had made special accommodations for the display. All of the regular merchandise had been stored away to make room for silver bars, gold coins, and jewelry. It was an impressive show, and there was a waiting line outside.

When it was my turn to enter, a representative handed a silver bar to me and asked, “Heavy, isn’t it?” As I carefully moved the bar from hand to hand to test its weight, he mentioned that it was worth thousands of dollars. And although I’ve forgotten the exact amount, it was enough to buy a fancy new car. I told him I was just looking and spent about 30 minutes gazing at display cases and pondering buried treasure. “Just think,” I said to myself, “many years ago, these artifacts were lost at the bottom of the ocean. And here they are today, looking as good as new.”

Lost treasures have fascinated people for centuries. But not all treasures consist of gold and silver. For those of us in the advertising business, some are hidden away in file cabinets and company archives.

Take Jessica, for example. She told me about one of her advertising accounts, a local lumber company that has been in business for many years. “For as long as I can remember,” she said, “the company had run generic ‘look at us, we’re in the lumber business’ ads. All of the ads featured nondescript illustrations of stacks of lumber, with the headline, ‘Three generations of service’ and their logo at the bottom. Since a lot of their customers are commercial building contractors, they saw advertising as just a way to keep their name in front of the public.

“I knew there was a better way, so I did a little research on their advertising history. I looked through a file of their old ads, and it didn’t take long to find a series on woodworking projects. I suggested that they: (1) update their image ads to offer specific discounts to contractors and (2) revive the woodworking idea to differentiate their friendly-neighbor philosophy from the big box store across town.

“It was an easy sale because it was an update of an idea they had previously run. We expanded their advertising to include both approaches – both with the underlying “Three generations of service” theme. The first woodworking ad featured a birdhouse (with building instructions). The second one featured a kids’ playhouse (also with instructions). The next ad spotlighted picnic tables, and it went on from there. The campaign was a real boost to their business, and it added an element of personality.”

Jessica came up with a real winner. And it all started with a treasure hunt for ideas.

(c) Copyright 2023 by John Foust. All rights reserved.

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Be responsible in exercising rights to public information

Businessman in handcuffs faces judge in court
Jim Pumarlo is a former editor of the Red Wing (Minn.) Republican Eagle. He writes, speaks, and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. He is the author of “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” He can be reached at www.pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at jim@pumarlo.com.

A divorce is finalized, but it is not recorded in the newspaper until four months later.

Someone appears in court for a domestic assault, but the sentence isn’t reported until weeks after the fact. 

The subjects naturally raise two questions: What constitutes these items as news? Why is there such a delay in the report? 

These instances, and many more, occurred during my tenure as editor of the Red Wing (Minn.) Republican Eagle. Other editors can likely relate.

Our simplest answer to readers is that divorces and court news are public records under Minnesota law. That is probably the case in most jurisdictions. Ambulance runs, marriages and divorces, traffic tickets, court fines – they all fall under the realm of public information and their publication regularly raised the eyebrows of readers, especially of those directly affected. 

Individuals often will challenge publication of a specific record and present what they consider justification for withholding publication. Some arguments may have merit. 

From our newspaper’s perspective, however, we strived to treat all public records the same. As we explained, it’s difficult to place a newspaper in the position of being judge and jury – trying to determine who has a valid argument for withholding information and who does not. 

Yes, individuals may disagree with the fact that newspapers choose to print public records. But editors should expect readers would be much more critical – and legitimately so – if records were selectively published. A policy riddled with double standards is no policy at all. 

Any right to publish records has an accompanying responsibility. Readers should expect newsrooms to do everything possible to ensure timely reports. 

Public records often are of sensitive nature – a divorce, a bankruptcy, a court sentence. The circumstances can be stressful for individuals and the report of the item draws more attention. Delayed publication can unnecessarily aggravate a situation. 

Ensuring punctual reports involves two steps. Newspapers, unfortunately, have varying degrees of control.

First is the release of the information from the appropriate agency. The process often has built-in delays, and it’s something that is out of newspapers’ hands. Newsrooms should work with officials to get the information as soon as possible. 

Editors do, however, control how soon the information gets published once received. Most newsrooms can likely improve on the turnaround. 

It’s common for readers to ask newspapers why they stand firm on access to and publication of specific public records. It’s much like the proverbial “if you give an inch, they’ll take a mile.” If the press agrees to one concession, all too often an individual or agency will try to stretch the rules. Soon laws are enacted with additional restrictions on what once was routinely public data.

Readers are best served by a full menu of public data rather than a selective serving.

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PRESS RELEASE: Chapco, Inc. Marking 60 Years of Contribution to Connecticut’s Critical Manufacturing Base

Contact:
Sarah Crisp
Email: scrisp@chapcoinc.com
Website: https://chapcoinc.com/

Chapco, Inc. Marking 60 Years of Contribution to Connecticut’s Critical Manufacturing Base

Photo: Joe Santaniello – Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Senator Norm Needleman (D-CT33), Lauren Weinstein – Chapco’s Chief People Officer, Brian Weinstein – President, Chapco, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Rosalyn Weinstein. Photo Credit Nick Currie, (c) Chapco, Inc.

CHESTER, CT – Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Connecticut’s 33rd district State Senator Norman Needleman (D-CT 33), and Connec4cut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul S. Lavoie, gathered to celebrate a significant milestone as Chapco, a prominent manufacturer, commemorated 60 years of precision manufacturing in Middlesex County.

Chapco, established in the mid-1960s by Charlie Hurd and Al Pross, underwent a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Robert (Bob) Weinstein and his son, Brian Weinstein, who currently serves as President. The company began in a small machine shop on Denlar Drive in Chester and has since grown to encompass 70,000 sq M of advanced manufacturing facilities across two campuses in Chester.

Following a festive luncheon on October 11 attended by customers, suppliers, local representatives, and the dedicated Chapco workforce, Senator Blumenthal highlighted the indispensable role played by manufacturers like Chapco in Connecticut’s economy and the nation’s critical defense infrastructure.

Blumenthal emphasized, “Other states may boast natural resources like uranium and gold mines or iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, but in Connecticut, our true strength lies in our ‘really smart’ people. That’s our ‘secret sauce’. Submarines are the backbone of our defense capabilities, and manufacturers like Chapco are instrumental in ensuring their supremacy.”

Chapco proudly aligns with Connecticut’s thriving manufacturing ecosystem. “Our unwavering motto is ‘building partnerships, not just parts,'” expressed Weinstein. With a team of seasoned engineers, production technicians, and assembly personnel, Chapco provides comprehensive end-to-end services, encompassing tes@ng, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment.

Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer also toured both campuses and witnessed a myriad of products crafted by Chapco, all originating from sheet metal blanks. These products included Integrated UVC’s innovative no-touch air and surface disinfection system, Icleanse’s cell phone UV disinfection devise, Fastcorp Vending’s cutting-edge automated retail solutions for regulated products, Denlar Fire Protection’s integrated fire suppression range hood systems, and TRUEFORM.RUNNER – the treadmill of choice for NFL superstars and NASCAR Race Teams.

Lavoie, who leads the Office of Manufacturing, is dedicated to empowering manufacturers to leverage market opportunities and cement Connecticut’s status as the Silicon Valley of advanced manufacturing. “My mission is to showcase Connecticut,” Lavoie affirmed, “and companies like Chapco make that task much simpler.”

President of Chapco and its collaborative companies, Brian Weinstein emphasized their commitment to excellence, stating, “We’ve always believed in investing in the best technologies and operating 24/7. Our recent $1.6 million investment in a Trumpf Trumatic 6000 fiber laser punch combo underscores our dedication to meeting tight deadlines and ensuring the resilience of U.S. supply chains.”

Chapco’s six decades of unwavering dedication to precision manufacturing epitomize its commitment to advancing the Connecticut manufacturing landscape. As we celebrate their remarkable journey, we look forward to their continued contributions to our vibrant community and the nation.

Congratulations, Chapco, on this significant milestone!

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Please participate in a survey to find solutions to burnout in the news industry

The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) at the Missouri School of Journalism has partnered with respected research firm SmithGeiger for a groundbreaking survey to find solutions to burnout in the news industry. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is available here.

An estimated 70% of journalists have experienced work-related burnout, with experts saying younger journalists are at higher risk. At a time when new technology, changing revenue models and a crisis of public trust are contributing to a rapid pace of change in journalism, RJI and SmithGeiger seek to gain on-the-ground insights from journalists about the issues that lead some to exit the profession while others thrive.

“The pandemic brought the issue of burnout into focus for a lot of people, but the underlying factors that lead to high stress, exhaustion and trauma have not gone away,” said Randy Picht, executive director of RJI. “Just like a good reporter would do, we wanted to go directly to the source and see what journalists have to say about their work environment.”

The 15-minute online survey, which is anonymous and open to news organizations anywhere in the country through November, is not RJI’s first partnership with SmithGeiger. The partners previously worked together on a national survey to determine the most effective ways to educate the public about COVID-19 vaccines, research that helped lead to a COVID-19 messaging toolkit for local journalists.

This time around, the survey aims to help news leadership focus their resources on effective solutions for burnout. It will gather perspectives across all news mediums and from a diverse range of voices representing a comprehensive cross-section of the industry.

Read more at Reynolds Journalism Institute

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2023 Newspapers of the Year and Individual Awards Presentation Video

The 2023 presentation of the annual Allan B. Rogers Editorial Award, New England First Amendment Award, AP Sevellon Brown NE Journalist of the Year, Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award, and the New England Newspaper of the Year Awards happened on October 19 during the New England Newspaper Conference.

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2023 Publick Occurrences Awards Presentation Video

The 2023 presentation of the annual Publick Occurrences Awards happened on October 19 during the New England Newspaper Conference. 13 publications were recognized for producing the finest work that New England newspapers create each year in individual or team stories, series, spot news coverage, columns, or photojournalism that ran in print and/or online.

Visit the Publick Occurrences Award page for the full list of 2023 winners and the comments read about the winning entries during this video presentation.

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PRESS RELEASE: NH News Organizations Request Release of Education Reform Records

Contact:
Phil Kincade
Granite State New Collaborative
pwkincade@gmail.com
603-988-1069

NH News Organizations Request Release of Education Reform Records

More than two dozen of the state’s leading news organizations requested today that the New Hampshire Department of Education make public all records of the special task force charged with recommending broad revisions to the rules that will govern public education in the state for at least the next decade.

The news organizations contend the education reform task force – created as a result of a sole source contract with the National Center for Competency-Based Learning approved by the governor and Executive Council – is a quasi-governmental body and therefore subject to New Hampshire’s right to know law, RSA 91-A.

Since its inception more than two years ago, the 13-member task force has been conducting business, yet there is no public record of its meetings, votes or minutes, as required by RSA 91-A.

Specifically, the law stipulates that public bodies must conduct meetings open to the public, that “minutes of all such meetings, including nonpublic sessions, shall include the names of members, persons appearing before the public bodies, and a brief description of the subject matter discussed and final decisions”, and that “minutes shall be promptly recorded and open to public inspection not more than 5 business days after the meeting,” and “shall be treated as permanent records of any public body, or any subordinate body thereof, without exception.”

This letter requesting public disclosure was made by the Granite State News Collaborative, the New Hampshire Press Association, and the New England First Amendment Coalition.

Background: 
In November 2020, as recommended by Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, the Governor and Executive Council approved a $50,000 sole-source contract with the National Center for Competency-Based Learning “to facilitate a revision of the ED 306 Minimum Standards Administrative Rules.” The NCCBL is a Durham-based company led by former New Hampshire Board of Education Chair Fred Bramante.

In January 2021, the NCCBL created a 13-member self-described “task force” that set out “to enhance and further embed competency-based learning within the Minimum Standards,” according to a June 23, 2022 letter the task force sent to state educational leaders.

The ED 306 Minimum Standards Administrative Rules were established as part of the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) created in 1983 by the legislature to provide legislative oversight of administrative rulemaking by the agencies of the executive branch.

The news organizations contend that because the contract with NCCBL was approved by the Governor and Executive Council and its responsibilities are a derivative of the legislature’s oversight functions affecting public policy, the task force is a quasi-public body and therefore subject to all provisions of the state’s right to know law, RSA 91-A.

The news organizations also cited Bradbury v. Shaw, 116 N.H. 388 (1976), a case heard before the New Hampshire Supreme Court concerning the application of RSA 91-A:1 to a private committee. The court upheld the trial court’s finding that heavy involvement in governmental functions renders a private committee a public body and subject to the right to know law.

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Nominations are now being accepted for the Yankee Quill Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Yankee Quill Award. The award is administered by the New England Society of News Editors Foundation, and it recognizes the efforts and dedication of those in New England who have had a broad influence for good in the field of journalism.

Recipients are inducted into the Academy of New England Journalists upon receiving the Yankee Quill Award at a celebratory luncheon during the annual New England Newspaper Convention, which will be held at The Waltham Westin Hotel on March 22-23, 2024.

The 2023 honorees were:

  • Steve Curwood
  • Anne Galloway
  • Mal Leary
  • Lincoln Millstein
  • Robert Bailey Thomas (historical figure)

Selection for the award is not based on a single distinguished achievement. Rather, the Yankee Quill recognizes the effort and dedication of those in New England who have had a broad influence for good in the field of journalism. In other words, it is not based on a certain achievement in reporting, writing, or editing or on the fact that someone runs a good newspaper or broadcast show or station. Instead, it honors a lifetime of contribution to the profession.

Nominations may range across the entire field of journalism — including daily and weekly newspapers, radio and television news coverage, and other forms of media that meet the tests of journalism.

Members of the Academy of New England Journalists, along with the representatives of several New England media associations, will select the persons to receive the Yankee Quill Award this year.

The link to the nomination form can be found by clicking here.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 17, 2023.

Nominations may be emailed to: quill@nenpa.com or hard copies may be mailed to:

Yankee Quill
c/o NENPA
PO Box 2505
Woburn MA 01801

For further information contact:
George Geers, academy chair, gnews@empire.net, (603) 785-4811
or Linda Conway, academy clerk, l.conway@nenpa.com, (781) 281-7648

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Newspaper Conference on Oct. 19 offers discounted registration rate for journalism educators and students

Get ready for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at the New England Newspaper Conference on October 19!

This event is being held virtually on the NENPA online community platform.

Journalism educators, advisors, and students in New England are invited to register for the conference at a discounted rate for individuals and groups. Individual registration is only $29 per person and groups are just $125.

This is your opportunity to learn from executive-level speakers, gain knowledge about the industry, and join in rich discussions. It’s a place where collaboration happens, innovative ideas are shared, and the challenges facing today’s media industry are discussed.

The conference program is available, and registration is now open!

Join us as we showcase excellence and give recognition with the announcement of the Publick Occurrences Award winners, the New England Newspaper of the Year Awards, and the recipients of four additional prestigious awards.

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com.

Learn More and Register

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Winners announced for Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award and AP Sevellon Brown Journalist of the Year!

Join us on October 19 for the virtual New England Newspaper Conference, as we celebrate the invaluable contributions of two exceptional journalists who have dedicated their lives to the craft, and served the industry with distinction over the years.

We are thrilled to announce that Wayne Braverman, managing editor of The Bedford (MA) Citizen, will receive the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award, while Katie Mulvaney, court reporter for The Providence (RI) Journal, will receive the AP Sevellon Brown New England Journalist of the Year Award!

Make sure to register soon for this insightful event where, in addition to recognizing our award winners, we will also have the privilege of listening to insightful presentations from top-level executives.

Learn more about the event program and register

Wayne Braverman
Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award Winner

Wayne Braverman, managing editor of The Bedford (MA) Citizen, receives the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award for his distinguished reputation as a resourceful, media-savvy, multi-award-winning journalist and pioneering managing editor. He is an accomplished and seasoned journalist whose skills and experience transcend media.

By design, he has spent his entire 50-year media career in community journalism and has earned more than 50 awards at national, regional, and state levels in newspapers, television, and public speaking.

Whether online or in print, Wayne consistently achieves the highest journalistic standards in all of his work. In his roles as lecturer, reporter, editor, and opinion writer, he has demonstrated an understanding of the role of journalism and its sacred trust with the public.

There are innumerable examples over his illustrious career of how much of a positive influence Wayne has had on his employers, colleagues, and readers.

Katie Mulvaney
AP Sevellon Brown New England Journalist of the Year

Katie Mulvaney, courts reporter for The Providence (RI) Journal, receives the AP Sevellon Brown New England Journalist of the Year Award.

Katie is a reporter who has built a beat around people who have no voice. Every story she writes is compelling and holds the powerful accountable. She’s relentless about it. Over the course of the one-year award period, she wrote 182 stories, many of them investigations.

Katie writes these stories with such heartbreaking clarity. By the time they’re published, they’re no longer a case number on a court docket, an overdose statistic, or a whisper. She’s tracked down the interviews and found the records or the details to breathe life into them.

But she doesn’t just write the stories and move on. She makes people, who wouldn’t normally care, listen.

Her fierceness is why The Providence Journal has so many stories of tremendous consequence, all united around the theme of giving voice to the voiceless.

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