Graphic receieves recognition

Iowa newspaper professionals met in Des Moines, Feb. 3-5 for the annual Iowa Newspapers Association Convention and Trade show, attending from the Lake Mills Graphic were Sherylee and Terry Gasper.
This years events, carried the theme “Press play,” designed to keep newspapers in the game. Faced with more competition, less time and fewer resources, the educational sessions were designed to help newspapers capitalize on the resources they do have to hit a home run in 2016. A highlight of the program was an inspirational Friday morning presentation, “The power to stand,” by Bondurant native and Luther College graduate, Chris Norton. Norton shared his harrowing story of learning he had only a three percent chance of gaining feeling below the neck, following a college football injury and how he redefined his fight and shaped his life in the face of adversity.
The convention program included educational presentations by experts from across the country in the fields of advertising, writing, social media, digital and technology. More than two dozen exhibitors at the Trade Show displayed their latest products, services and programs for the newspaper industry. For the first time ever, editors and reporters collaborated in a multi-session workshop to develop creative ideas that can be implemented immediately and easily, to connect with readers in new and different ways.
Newspaper professionals mingled with legislators from across the state at a Wednesday evening legislative reception. The association’s three boards of directors held their annual meeting Thursday. Board members were named for the Iowa Newspapers Association, Iowa Newspaper Foundation and INA Services Co.
Other special events included presentations of the INA Distinguished Service, Master Editor-Publisher, Investigative Reporting, Innovation and Young Iowa Journalists awards Friday, Feb. 5. The convention was capped by the naming of the Des Moines Register as 2016 Newspaper of the Year, and revealing 2016 Better Newspaper Contest Award winners.
The Lake Mills Graphic took home two awards: a second place finish for the Best Series of the year, for their series on craft beer; and, a third place award for best headline writing.
“To receive two awards is gratifying,” commented Publisher Terry Gasper. “Every year we strive to put out a product in which we and our community can be proud to call our hometown paper.” This marks the seventh consecutive year the Graphic has been recognized for excellence by their peers.
The INA Convention and Trade Show is annually one of the largest state press association gatherings in the country. Students from colleges and universities across the state also attended, as part of the jointly-held Iowa College Media Association Annual Student Conference.