BUSINESS COLUMN WRITING

Judged by Julie Tripp, business columnist, The Oregonian

"The general caliber of all entries suggests a lively and vibrant discussion of business issues in the Arizona press. Several of the columns among the winners took a stand for strong local business presence and failures to achieve it, prodding community leaders to be more than boosters."

First Place
Dawn Gilbertson, The Arizona Republic, "Beardstown Boondoggle is Nonsense," "Should You Worry When Exec Leaves?" "Buyback Fever Grows as Market Tumbles"

"The first place winner makes this reader feel like I'm in good hands with this writer, for the information the writer imparts, and for the easy style in which it is delivered. The writer questions the 'obvious tack'... [and] has the reader/investor uppermost in mind with topic selection, examples, and 'teaching moments.' A pleasure to judge these entries."

Second Place
Chris Coppola, The Tribune, "Progress Flattens Favorite Hangout," "Let's Just Face It," "Bill Bidwill's No-Show is No Help" "Lots of local flavor, topics of widespread human interest, nice turns of phrase - a real column feel, done with care and craftsmanship."

Third Place
Kristi H. Dempsey, The Tribune, "Phoenix Chamber Needs to Get Others Agreement First," "Chamber Chiefs Gird for Battle," "Allied Signal Pushes for Perfection"

Honorable Mention Jennifer Boice, The Tucson Citizen