Categories

1. Writing
   Original writing for a program or project addressing a community or agency issue. Include the published text of one of the following: feature article, editorial, opinion piece, news release, speech, copy for advertisement or non-profit electronic message.
   Criteria: Effectiveness in communicating the issue, creativity and results.
2. New Media
   Highlight an agency or municipality's blog, podcast or webcast.
   Criteria: Achievement of program objectives, creativity, effectiveness and scripting. Success in meeting goals will be given priority over production quality.
3. Video Production
   A video, series, advertisement, non-profit message, or cable access T.V. program produced for the public. The category includes advertisements and non-profit messages for television. Submit tapes in VHS (1/2 inch) format or DVD's. Maximum length is 20 minutes.
   Criteria: Achievement of program objectives, creativity, effectiveness and scripting. Success in meeting goals will be given priority over production quality.
4. Community or Special Audience Newsletter
   Publications (print or electronic) that educate or inform the agency's external customers about programs and services. Must be distributed at least twice a year.
   Criteria: Writing quality, content and design
5. Public Safety Program or Campaign
   A public safety or emergency services program or event.
   Criteria: Writing quality, creativity, graphic design, presentation and cost effectiveness.
6. Internal or Employee Newsletter
   Publications (print or electronic) that inform an agency's employees about its programs, services and personnel. Must be produced at regular intervals and demonstrate a commitment to employee communication.
   Criteria: Writing quality, content and design.
7. Special Events
   A thematic public event designed to meet and measure audience participation, goals and objectives (i.e. open house, grand opening, ribbon cutting, dedication, etc.).
   Criteria: Originality, quality of materials, and the integration of marketing strategies and tactics to deliver the message to the target audience. Campaign PDF entries should display all elements of the event and a one-page summary of its contents. Submit a PDF of samples and photos with the entry.
8. Special Innovation
   This category is for novel entries that don't fit into any other category. Entries should demonstrate exceptional creativity and introduce concepts to public information that are both unique and applicable. Entries are subject to the same guidelines and criteria applied to all other categories.
9. Special publication
   Publications such as an annual report, brochure, calendar, class schedule, etc. (excluding newsletters) are eligible.
   Criteria: Writing quality, graphic design, presentation and cost effectiveness.
10. Marketing/Communications Campaign
    A thematic campaign designed to meet and measure audience participation, goals and objectives.
    Criteria: Originality, quality of materials, and the integration of marketing strategies and tactics to deliver the message to the target audience. Campaign entries should include a binder displaying all elements of the campaign and a one-page summary of its contents.
11. Crisis Communications Program
    A best practices on how a jurisdiction or agency best handled an episode of crisis communications in their own community. Emphasize the importance of strategy, media relations, outcome, and overall composure in handling such an unexpected catastrophic event.
    Criteria: Writing quality, creativity, poise, presentation and cost effectiveness.
12. Web Site
    An agency, department or issue-specific website.
    Criteria: Design, graphics, layout, photography, content, writing quality, information flow, user-friendly navigation and current and relevant information. Indicate the percentage of the site that is accessible to users with disabilities and describe access features.
13. Photography
    An original photo or photos - no stock photography - that capture(s) a photographic expression of the theme of a communications piece. No transparencies or prints should be submitted by themselves; submittals must be in context of a web page, PowerPoint presentation, brochure, poster, newsletter or other communications piece where photos are used to illustrate story content or a key idea. Please don't forget to identify the photographer!
    Criteria: Appropriateness of the photo or photos to convey theme; technical quality; and creative uses of subject, lighting, composting or Photoshop effects.