Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Cedar Rapids - The Gazette Entry Title: The Gazette Entry Credit: Gazette Staff Judge Comment: This was a close competition between first and second place, but ultimately the breadth of coverage won out for Cedar Rapids. The child care and biz package was as good as any I’ve seen on an important issue. Great local stories and sources, and I loved how they localized and made interesting the ramifications of the Inflation Reduction Act. Fantastic photography also.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Dubuque - Telegraph Herald Entry Title: TH coverage of business Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: A very close second, the Telegraph Herald has some excellent writing and also good balance of coverage. I thought the HTLF story showed the reporter's network of sources and business acumen in a story that could have just been a brief. Fine photographs to accompany stories.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Fort Dodge - The Messenger Entry Title: Messenger Coverage of Business Entry Credit: Bill Shea, Kelby Wingert Judge Comment: This entry appealed to my love of great community coverage by great local newspapers. From the corn syrup plant expansion to the teenage honey producer who sells her wares to the local brewery to the start-up bakery, it was just good writing, good photography, and seemed to be in touch with the community it serves. Well done.
