Publisher's Message
"Newspaper of the Year" - Vermont Woman Wins the Big One!

by Sue Gillis, Publisher

Vermont Woman newspaper was awarded the top prize in New England for "Newspaper of the Year" in the bi-weekly/monthly category by the New England Press Association (NEPA) in Boston in February. The NEPA award is to newspapers in New England what the Oscars are to movies. We knew we were finalists but winning was truly a shocking surprise!

Let me set the stage.

Drama in the Marriott Ballroom increased as the audience of about 1000 became uncharacteristically quiet in anticipation of the top award, Newspaper of the Year. This was to be the last award of the evening. Incidentally, no newspaper from Vermont (daily, weekly, or monthly) has ever won in the top category, so clearly we were not expecting what soon followed.

Suddenly, the October 2006 cover of Vermont Woman was projected onto three giant screens; the award was announced; the cheering deafening. Overcome with emotion, I was somehow aware that I was in the midst of an exquisite moment in time, when your entire professional life flashes across your mental screen.

If only the entire Vermont Woman staff had been present, because it takes the talent and passion of many to earn this level of recognition by your peers. A special Bravo! to editor, Margaret Michniewicz, Creative Director Jan Doerler, Assistant Editor Mary Fratini, all our writers and columnists, and everyone on staff who has contributed to our success.

In addition, we came home with four other awards. Contributing writer Carrie Chandler was awarded first prize in the General News category for her April 2007 cover story, "Inconvenient Choices: The Future of Vermont's Energy Supply & Demand". Assistant Editor Mary Elizabeth Fratini took third prize for her October 2006 cover story "Quest for the Cure" about Dr. David Krag's groundbreaking efforts in breast cancer research. Editor Margaret Michniewicz garnered first prize for her photo of Monkton farmer Norma Norris with her two grandsons, with second prize going to St. Michael's College journalism intern Lynn Monty.

Everyone knows that no newspaper today endures without its lifeblood - advertisers - so this, too, is a win for those advertising in Vermont Woman. For those prospective advertisers who are still sitting on the fence, I urge you to jump on board and become part of this paper. Your business will increase and our readers will let you know how pleased they are to see your ad in a paper that is close to their heart.

And most of all winning best monthly in New England goes to all of our readers. Vermont Woman is a one of a kind newspaper dedicated to providing a woman's perspective.

There really is no paper like it in New England or in the rest of the country. Why? Because our writers and photographers are Vermont women. And because Vermont Woman is creative and delivers stories with accuracy, research and a healthy edge. And because our staff is a posse of bold women.

Which leads me to ask you to give serious consideration to my request.

It has always been our intent to have Vermont Woman endure for years, ideally from generation to generation. Vermont Woman is approaching five years of publishing. Vermont Woman has been recognized for its excellence by both the New England Press Association and the Vermont Press Association and has been successful in these years.

However, the time has come for Vermont Woman to grow to the next level. This growth is critical and will ensure the future of the paper.

To help us grow, we are asking for your help. We invite you to join the many other Vermonters by becoming A Friend of Vermont Woman with your contribution. If you care deeply about Vermont Woman, if this paper speaks to you, then please help us grow. Please refer to Page 2 of the March 2008 print edition for details, or call Sue Gillis at (802)861-6200. There is no question that Vermont women are ahead of the curve, smart and savvy. There would not be a reason for Vermont Woman to exist if it were not for you.

Finally. Make no mistake. For Vermont Woman to win Newspaper of the Year is a reflection on the great state of Vermont and the people who live here… a state where individualism and uniqueness stands out in the nation.

So as they say at the Oscars….. This one's for you Vermont!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!