The Business NH Magazine staff celebrates after winning 14 awards at the NH Press Association's Distinguished Journalism Awards Banquet. From left are: Morgan Costa, marketing advisor and account manager; Daryl Flagg, marketing advisor and account manager; Staff Writer Scott Merrill; Laura Maxfield, marketing advisor and account manager; Jenn Farkas, creative manager and events assistant; Christine Carignan, co-publisher and COO; and Matt Mowry, co-publisher and executive editor. (Photo: Allegra Boverman)
Business NH Magazine took home 14 awards at the NH Press Association's Distinguished Journalism Awards Banquet on June 12, including eight first place awards. Staff Writer Scott Merrill earned all but two of the reporting awards the magazine won while Creative Manger Jennifer Farkas and COO Christine Carignan took home several awards for their design and graphics work.
Business NH Magazine earned first and second place awards for Business Reporting, first place for Health Reporting, first place for Environmental Reporting, first place for Crime/Court Reporting, first place for Arts & Entertainment Reporting, first and second place for Feature Photo, first, second and third place for Best Design, first and third place for Graphic/Cartoon/Illustration, and second place for Best Use of Audio or Podcast for BizCast NH.
Here are the specific stories amd designs that won awards, along with the judges’ comments:
• Arts & Entertainment Reporting, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Despite Two Closures, NH’s Museums Continue to Rebound” by Scott Merrill
Judge’s Comment: “This well-reported, multifaceted news-feature article makes a strong case for community support of museums. Scott Merrill of Business NH focuses on the funding uncertainties New Hampshire museums face even as they are rebounding from pandemic-induced decreased traffic, causing at least two to close in 2024. By discussing the funding sources most endangered museums rely on—umbrella organizations, donations, and grants as well as sponsorships, admissions, events, and gift shop sales rather than memberships and admissions tickets—he explains why arts-focused nonprofit entities must diversify their sources of funding and improve their ways of communicating their value to stakeholders. Interviews with museum board chairs, academic deans, museum directors and fundraisers show the advantages and disadvantages of different revenue sources and highlight the disparities for readers who may be unaware of or misunderstand the causes of funding challenges. For example, one director clarifies that not all museums receive local, state, or federal funding, which is why they rely so heavily on sales of tickets, events, or gift shop merchandise. A sidebar on the “economic multiplier effect” of museums in New Hampshire also helps potential patrons see the value of their contributions and patronage.”
• Best Design, Class 2, 3rd Place: Business NH Magazine
“Overcoming Hurdles” designed by Jenn Farkas
Judge’s Comment: “Good use of color and is interesting to look at, and mental health is a difficult concept to convey.”
• Best Design, Class 2, 2nd Place: Business NH Magazine
“40 Influential Leaders” designed by Christine Carignan and Jenn Farkas
Judge’s Comment: “Good use of lots of small photos. … Like the colors behind the nameplate.
• Best Design, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“The Food Issue cover” designed by Christine Carignan and Jenn Farkas
Judge’s Comment: “Nice clean cover, good use of typography in skillet.”
• Best Use of Audio or Podcast, Class 2, 2nd Place: Business NH Magazine
“BizCast NH” hosted by Christine Carignan and Matthew Mowry
• Business Reporting, Class 2, 2nd Place: Business NH Magazine
“Child Care Crisis Increases Workforce Woes” by Sheryl Rich-Kern
Judge’s Comment: “This report very effectively illustrates one of the top financial, health, and wellness issues taxing the Granite State’s workforce. It explores the multifaceted issues contributing to the problem. The lede is expertly crafted and compels readers to dig in and pay attention with the goal of influencing and expediting a solution.”
• Business Reporting, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“A Guide to Startup Success” by Business NH Magazine Staff and Freelancers
Judge’s Comment: “Business NH Magazine took the opportunity to now only skate to where the puck is going to be, it also helps entrepreneurs and prospective small business hopefuls learn how to navigate the slippery ice of their startup phase. Clearly the publisher has the staff and bandwidth to produce such a well-crafted and comprehensive guide, but it has great potential to improve economic development statewide – a must read for anyone considering starting a business in NH.”
• Crime/Court Reporting, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Banks Battle Escalating Fight Against Scammers” by Scott Merrill
Judge’s Comment: “This was full of information for people who are, or might become, victims of scamming. Well-written, with many risks that most people (including me) do not know about. A good take on a scary subject that helps people know what to look out for in what seems like innocent situations.”
• Environmental Reporting, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Extreme Weather is Jeopardizing NH’s Farms” by Scott Merrill
Judge’s Comment: “This piece is very well written and filled with detail that brings home the impact of climate change from the families of farmers to the families they feed.”
• Feature Photo, 2nd Place: Business NH Magazine
“Owners of Wheat” by Christine Carignan
Judge’s Comment: “Simple, pleasing, business portrait.”
• Feature Photo, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries” by Christine Carignan
Judge’s Comment: “Interesting idea, nicely posed and easy read. Well lit, clear and sharp.”
• Graphic/Cartoon/Illustration, 3rd Place: Business NH Magazine
“Health Care Statistics” designed by Jenn Farkas
Judge’s Comment: “Good organization of a lot of statistics. Nice use of color and art.”
• Graphic/Cartoon/Illustration, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Money Over Mind” designed by Jenn Farkas
“Clean and striking illustration illustrates the headline well. Nice cover.”
• Health Reporting, Class 2, 1st Place: Business NH Magazine
“Money Over Mind/Overcoming Hurdles” by Scott Merrill
“A masterful blending of stats and figures with the personal stories to illustrate impact. Standout entry.”
For a complete list of all the winners, click here.