Business Ledger wins national award as best business newspaper

The Daily Herald Business Ledger won a top award through the Alliance of Area Business Publishers, a national organization representing the industry in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The Business Ledger received the Gold Award for Best Newspaper: Small Tabloids at the organization's summer conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The judges were especially impressed with "the extensive coverage the Daily Herald Business Ledger

provides for the many suburban areas within the greater Chicago area. Despite the considerable geography, the

publication keeps a close watch on each of the zones with news and news features, profiles, analysis and

commentary.

"In addition," the judges said, "common issues are identified and addressed; one notable example is 'The future of

Internet taxes on Illinois companies.' The Business Ledger also celebrates successes and finds subjects whose achievements are often hard-won. The publication clearly makes wise use of its resources and is an asset to its readers."

It's the first award the publication has ever won from the alliance.

"It is gratifying to see the staff's dedication recognized," Editor Kim Mikus said. "It reaffirms what our readers and advertisers already know: The Business Ledger covers the business community like no one else."

Andrew Zielonka, manager of sales and operations for the Ledger, agreed.

"This recognition is especially significant because it comes from our peers, the regional business publications across the country that are members of the AABP," he said.

The annual competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by regional business publications. Twenty-four judges were comprised of faculty members from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.