FFA New Horizons received gold-level honors for Most Improved Editorial in custom publishing’s 2007 Magnum Opus Awards.

This award reflects the new look and content of the magazine, which was completely redesigned and relaunched in January 2007 by Journal Communications, a custom publisher based in Franklin, Tenn. Mailed bimonthly to the nearly half-million members, alumni and associates of the National FFA Organization (formerly known as the Future Farmers of America), the updated FFA New Horizons reflects the start of an exciting new era for the organization, evident in the magazine’s bold, youthful new look and fresh editorial direction.

Presented by Publications Management, in conjunction with The Missouri School of Journalism and McMurry Inc., the Magnum Opus Awards recognize excellence in all aspects of custom and corporate publishing. A record number of more than 800 entries were submitted in this year’s international awards competition.

Tennessee Home & Farm received dual honors in custom publishing’s 2005 Magnum Opus Awards: a Gold Award for Most Improved Editorial and a Silver Award for Best Use of Color Photography. The magazine also earned the 2006 Magnum Opus Gold Award for Best Publication Companion Web Site Design.

These awards reflect the new look and content of the magazine, which was completely redesigned and re-launched in 2004 by Journal Communications. The new Tennessee Home & Farm celebrates an “unrushed” lifestyle with captivating photos and informative, entertaining features on home, garden, food and recreation.

Presented by Publications Management, in conjunction with The Missouri School of Journalism and McMurry Inc., the Magnum Opus Awards recognize excellence in all aspects of custom and corporate publishing. Judges include MSJ professors and other designated custom publishing professionals. More than 500 entries in 49 categories were submitted in this year’s awards competition.

The 2005 Asheville Visitor Guide was again named the winner of the North Carolina Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau's 2004 Platinum Destination Marketing Achievement Award for Best Visitor Guide.

The win made it four in a row for the Asheville Visitor Guide as it again bested all other large-bureau publications in North Carolina.

“We were thrilled and surprised to win this award for the fourth time,” said Dianna Jackson, Director of Tourism for the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Working with Journal to create the Guide is definitely one of the most fun and rewarding things I am involved in."

More than 400,000 people each year depend on the guide to make decisions about accommodations, shopping, dining and entertainment  in Asheville’s scenic mountain area.

Tennessee Home & Farm was selected as the Best Statewide Publication in the nation by the American Farm Bureau Federation at their annual awards ceremonies held in Washington, DC in January 2005.

Journal Celebrates 100 Community Magazines

It’s official: 100 communities around the U.S. now recognize Journal Communications as the premier chamber of commerce magazine publisher. From the palm trees of Simi Valley, Calif.,to the crab cakes of Charles County, Md., Journal’s stunning photography and vibrant stories are causing a revolution from coast to coast in what people think of chamber magazines.

Images of Tupelo, Mississippi 2003 was the winner of the Merit Award in the Large Division for Magazines and Advertorials from the Southern Economic Development Council.

With more than 1,200 economic development professionals representing 17 states, the Southern Economic Development Council is the oldest and largest of all economic development associations in America.

The magazine, sponsored by the Community Development Foundation in Tupelo, received the award at the Council’s 2002 conference in Birmingham, Ala., Sept. 21-24, 2002.

“ The competition was stiff this year, as economic development organizations throughout our region submitted expertly prepared materials,” SEDC president Gene Stinson said. “Those submitted…by the Community Development Foundation were superior.”

Clermont, OH, Chamber of Commerce named 2002 Chamber of the Year by the National Association for Membership Development (NAMD) – two in a row for JCI publishing partners.

“This is the highest honor that a chamber of commerce can earn. I am so proud of our staff, volunteers, and members for making this possible. This tells us that out of the chambers from Canada to Florida, we are the best of the best,” said Denny Begue, Clermont Chamber president and CEO.

Each year the NAMD awards the “Chamber of the Year” designation to one chamber of commerce in each member category – large, mid-size and small. The awards process includes chambers from across the United States and Canada and recognizes the winner as being superior in financial growth, cutting-edge member programs and internal operations.

But this isn’t a first for JCI – last year’s Chamber of Commerce of the Year award was a JCI publishing partner as well. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce in McAllen, Texas took home the 2001 Chamber of the Year for its high marks in member retention and gain.

We here at JCI think the award recognizes superior judgment as well – it just seems the best prefer to be associated with the best.

The 2001 Official North Carolina Travel Guide was selected best ad-supported guide in the nation.

The guide received a Mercury Award from the National Council of State Travel Directors. This honor is given annually for excellence in travel industry marketing and promotion.

The publication won first place in the advertising-supported travel guide category. Journal Communications has published the guide for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development since 1997. The guide is the state’s primary marketing piece, distributed to more than 700,000 travelers each year. We also publish the Official North Carolina Golf Guide.