The Comox Valley Record typically receives a blue ribbon each year from the Canadian Community Newspaper Association.
Not this year.
Instead of a blue ribbon, essentially an honourable mention, the Record finished third in general excellence.
The CCNA announced last week that the St. Albert Gazette in Alberta finished first in our national circulation category. The Observer in Elmira-Woolrich in Ontario placed second.
Of 120 total points that can be awarded by a judge, as many as 85 points can be given for a range of news coverage and editorial design, quality of writing, photography, front page and editorial page.
Newspapers are also judged on typography and design, print quality, ad design and copy editing, and ad layout and effective use of colour.
Awards will be presented May 29 in Charlottetown, PEI.
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Former Record publisher Grant Lawrence will receive the prestigious BC Housing Eric Dunning Award for Dedication and Service to the Community Newspaper Industry on April 26.
The Comox Valley Record is also a finalist in three other Ma Murray provincial newspaper award categories.
• Erin Haluschak is one of three people in the running for the TD Feature Photo Award in our circulation class for an aerial picture publicizing the 2013 Comox Air Show.
• The Record has a chance to receive a Special Publications Award for the winter issue of Trio magazine.
• The Record is a finalist for the Safeway Ma Murray Community Service Award for work to publicize the Boys and Girls Clubs' Christmas Village.
Ma Murray Awards are presented annually at the River Rock Casino in Richmond by the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Association.