Local executives awarded knighthood
Mike Ansay and Kevin Wester of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society in Belgium were recently awarded knighthood in Luxembourg’s Order of the Oak Crown at a ceremony in Washington D.C. The ceremony took place on Luxembourg’s independence day June 23. The award is typically presented to Luxembourg citizens but, in special circumstances, is awarded to foreign nationals. Ansay and Wester earned the recognition for their work in preserving and promoting Luxembourg – American relations and, in particular, for their leadership in the building of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center in Belgium. Both Ansay and Wester were raised in Belgium, Wisconsin. All of their ancestors were 19th century immigrants from Luxembourg to Ozaukee County.
BizTimes wins gold award as ‘Best Newspaper’
BizTimes Milwaukee was named Best Newspaper and received two other prestigious awards in the Alliance of Area Business Publications (AABP) Awards for Editorial Excellence, an annual international competition.
The AABP named BizTimes Milwaukee the 2010 recipient of the Gold Award for Best Newspaper Among Small Tabloids. The Los Angeles Business Journal was named the Best Newspaper Among Large Tabloids, and the Best Magazine Award went to Florida Trend.
The contest judges, who are faculty members of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, took note of the transformation of the former Small Business Times into BizTimes Milwaukee.
"A stunning redesign in 2009 was responsible for bringing stronger content and more compelling design to an already striking publication. The strength of BizTimes Milwaukee is its sharp focus on area news, but the editorial mix is broad enough to include Q&As about local business leaders, book reviews, home-grown products and a column on trade in China. The cover story in each issue is consistently rich with information, but often surprising as well. An example is the profile of a woman who will execute the dreams of a visionary Milwaukee philanthropist to improve the city’s low-income neighborhoods. Standards such as the business calendar, personnel file and business briefs are smartly written and executed. ‘The Last Word,’ a page of thoughtful advice from a business leader, wraps an outstanding publication," the judges said.
BizTimes Milwaukee also was named "Most Improved Publication," a salute to the transformation from Small Business Times.
"Small Business Times reinvented itself as BizTimes Milwaukee. The result is a publication that gives readers a bigger bang in both content and design. The magazine adopted a smaller format and introduced short, crisp, well-edited features that cover a wide range of interests, from politics to finance, real estate, manufacturing and innovation. A special report continues to anchor each issue, but it is better packaged with strong visuals and break-outs. A section with area news and personnel is clean and well-organized, and columnists furnish sound advice on topics with currency, such as conflict resolution, human resources and strategic planning. A reflective essay called ‘The Last Word’ ends each publication with wisdom from a local business leader. Overall, the renovation achieved a stronger editorial mix, delivered in an attractive, contemporary design," the judges said.
In addition, BizTimes Milwaukee received a Bronze Award for Best Overall Design.
"Consistent design strategies provide a strong sense of identity. Variety in use of graphics, illustration and photo demonstrates an understanding of how to use each; type hierarchy adds to visual variety," the judges said.
The awards contest was held in Indianapolis.
"The purpose of the Alliance competition is to encourage a high level of journalistic performance and service to communities by recognizing editorial excellence and outstanding visual presentation in regional business publications," said AABP executive director James Dowden.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, the AABP is a nonprofit national organization representing 64 independent magazine and newspaper members in the United States, Canada and Australia.
The BizTimes Milwaukee editorial staff includes executive editor Steve Jagler, managing editor Andrew Weiland, reporters Eric Decker and Alysha Schertz and editorial assistant Liz Ramus. The publication is designed by art director Shelly Tabor.
"To win ‘Best Publication’ is an incredible achievement, given the quality of the news organizations competing for these awards," said BizTimes Milwaukee publisher Dan Meyer. "It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by some of the best journalists in Wisconsin and even the country. These awards reflect a complete team effort. Every employee of our company shares a piece of these awards."
Pictured above from left to right are: Steve Jagler, BizTimes executive editor, Dan Meyer, BizTimes publisher and Larry Kluger, president of the AABP
