Leader Publications captured 15 awards, including five top honors, in the annual Missouri Press Advertising and Marketing Executives annual contest.
The awards recognized work by newspapers across the state during 2020.
The Leader captured first- and second-place honors in a new category for the contest – Best Newspaper-Produced Event.
In 2020, the Leader held few events due to the pandemic, but it earned first place for its first all-virtual event, a Job Fair, produced in cooperation with the Arnold Chamber of Commerce, the city of Arnold, the Fox C-6 School District and Jefferson College. In addition, the paper received second-place honors for its annual Wedding Fair held in January, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The newspaper’s efforts to boost local businesses during the pandemic with its We Will Survive project captured the attention of judges and earned the company first place in the category for Best Idea to Grow Revenue. We Will Survive offered local businesses the opportunity to advertise their products and services and to tell their stories.
“Like most small businesses, the Leader experienced challenges during 2020,” said Peggy Scott, the Leader’s assistant publisher. “Our advertising partners stuck with us through this tough year, recognizing the importance of a local newspaper in our community, and we thank them. These awards are proof that good work stands out and should be rewarded.”
Awards will be presented during the Missouri Press Association’s annual convention in September.
First place
Leader Job Fair, Best Newspaper-Produced Event, Leader staff.
We Will Survive, Best Idea to Grow Revenue, Leader staff.
Regions Electric, Jefferson County Leader, Best Single Classified Display Ad, Michelle Engelhardt and Rob Schneider.
Baisch Nursing Center, Jefferson County Leader, Best Ad Smaller than 1/4 Page, Debra Skaggs and Glenda Potts.
St. Luke’s Urgent Care, Arnold-Imperial Leader, Best Ad Smaller than a Full Page – No Smaller than a 1/4 page, Michelle Engelhardt and Rob Schneider.
Second place
Wedding Fair, Best Newspaper-Produced Event, Leader staff.
Nurses Week Promotion, Jefferson County Leader, Best Newspaper Promotion, Leader staff.
Arnold Chamber Snowman Contest, Arnold-Imperial Leader, Best Ad Series, Michelle Engelhardt and Rob Schneider.
Licari Auto Body, West Side Leader, Best Ad Smaller than 1/4 Page, Michelle Engelhardt and Mark Grebe.
Bella Landscaping, West Side Leader, Best Ad Smaller than 1/4 Page, Debra Skaggs and Mark Grebe.
Third place
Golf Guide, Jefferson County Leader, Best Special Section, Leader staff.
Victorian Gardens, West Side Leader, Best Full Page Ad, Michelle Engelhardt and Mark Grebe.
Camp Skullbone, West Side Leader, Best Ad Smaller than a Full Page – No Smaller than 1/4 Page, Debra Skaggs and Andrea Chambers.
Fourth place
Old House Steakhouse/LaChance Winery of Kimmswick, Arnold-Imperial Leader, Best Ad Smaller than 1/4 Page, Debra Skaggs and Glenda Potts.
Scarecrow Festival, West Side Leader, Best Shared/Signature Page, Michelle Engelhardt, Debra Skaggs and Mark Grebe.