Counselor® magazine has been honored with three prestigious Jesse H. Neal journalism awards for editorial excellence, including wins for a masterful range of work by a single author, a profile of its Person of the Year and its annual State of the Industry package.
Counselor was also a finalist for two additional Neal awards, for best commentary/blog writing on a variety of issues and for best news coverage for an in-depth look at how the promo industry is getting caught in the middle of a U.S. trade war with China.
“I’m thrilled beyond belief that Counselor was singled out for recognition in a very competitive national awards contest for such incredibly diverse accomplishments,” said Dave Vagnoni (@VagnoniASI), editor-in-chief of Counselor. “I’ve always known our reporters, writers, researchers and designers are the best in the business – and now we have even more validation for the efforts we make every day, online and in print, on behalf of our readers.”
The Jesse H. Neal Awards are considered the Pulitzer Prize of business media, honoring winning reporting on major industry issues and pressing business challenges while helping guide industry leaders to higher levels of effectiveness. Connectiv, the Business Information Association, a division of SIIA, an umbrella association representing 800+ technology, data and media companies globally, announced the winners of the 65th Annual Jesse H. Neal Awards at a ceremony held in New York City. Other winners and finalists included Ad Age and The American Lawyer magazines.
Below is more info and the judges’ comments on the winning entries:
Best Range of Work by a Single Author for Christopher Ruvo (@ChrisR_ASI), Counselor executive editor, for “Great Trade War” and “Powered by Private Equity,” features on two of the most pressing issues facing the promo products industry, along with recognition for generating daily articles for ASI’s website and e-newsletters on topics that matter most to the promo/advertising market, exclusive reports, strategy podcasts and hosting of Counselor’s weekly Facebook video news series, “This Week in Promo.”
- Judges said: “Chris exhibits true range – web, print, video, podcasts – and really in-depth analytical coverage supported with lots of data. Masterful!”
Best Profile for Michele Bell (@ASI_MBell), who oversees ASI’s editorial department, for “Person of the Year 2018: Sharon Eyal, ETS Express,” a riveting story on the owner/CEO of CA-based ETS Express. Eyal emigrated from Israel as a child, didn’t speak English when he arrived and never graduated high school. He started with ETS at 16, and 30 years later with him at the helm, the company is a $100 million entity. Bell also deftly explained how he prevailed in an arduous lawsuit brought by S’well for patent infringement.
- Judges said: “Excellent. Great example of a great profile where the writer makes the subject come alive!”
Best Editorial Use of Data for Counselor staff, for “2018 State of the Industry,” an annual report used as a business benchmark for industry members throughout the year, a barometer of the promo market’s health and an analysis of predictive trends. The SOI issue is based on comprehensive data collected through reader surveys and analyzed through in-depth original reporting and infographics. The 2018 edition included more detailed coverage than ever before, driven by dozens of unique charts and a breakdown of what’s behind the numbers, giving readers the most valuable information possible.
- Judges said: “This is a comprehensive survey that has to be of interest to all readers of the magazine. It’s fun to read and it provides solid analysis of trends.”
Counselor, published by the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), is the most authoritative trade publication in the $24.7 billion promotional products industry. The magazine is celebrating its 65th anniversary this month with a special print and online commemorative issue. In the last 20 years, Counselor has won 68 awards for in-depth reporting, business features, design and photography, more than any other industry publication, including seven prestigious Jesse H. Neal Awards.
Counselor magazine reaches a total audience of 30,240 and continues to resonate with marketers, thanks to its proven ability to engage with readers across multiple channels about issues that matter most to top-level executives and salespeople who rely on Counselor for the latest industry news, business strategies and case studies.