Judges comments: Just Kids addresses parents of special-needs children with a joy and optimism that still doesn't overlook the realities they face. The issue combines critical advice with profiles that treat the children like the stars they are.

Judges comments: For a leisure title, Waterfowl & Retriever is packed with helpful, expert advice and a clear passion for its subject matter.

Judges comments: The Cabela’s Outfitter Journal best exemplifies excellence in meeting the objectives of the publication. From the articles that cover the full spectrum of the outdoors, the well formatted design, to the unique use of photography the magazine clearly provides intrinsically valuable information that moves the perceptions and behavior of the audience in a desired direction.

Judges comments: Provides sound professional advice--one of the magazine's objectives---interspersed with biographical details that help explain how the subject became an expert commercial photographer. For the most part, the author allows the subject to speak for himself.

Judges comments: A spellbinding account of a daughter's quest to know her mother better through a travel journal penned some 70 years earlier. Thanks to her daughter's smooth biographical transitions and asides, the subject of the profile emerges less from what she included in the journal's pages, more from what she left unsaid or crossed out. Definitely fulfills the publication's mission to publish works that are "both original and enduring."

Charlotte Magazine - July 2009

Judges comments: Uses anecdotes and observations---not all complimentary---to give readers insight into an artist's quirks, personality, and passions. Easily moves between the past and the present to provide the artist's resume without sounding like a dry recitation of facts (and without confusing the reader).

Paste Magazine

Judges comments: As always, a marvelous web site full of surprise and excitement, one that mirrors the magazine well. The content is always up-to-date, never stale, never a sense of boilerplate material put in to hold a space. The "most read" and "most commented" sections are absolutely essential and sadly lacking on many web sites.

Judges comments: I bet I’m not the only one who thought there was no down side to recycling. But writer Chaz Miller enlightens us all to the harmful effects that exporting our recyclables to other countries, notably China, can have. His essay is a forceful, cogent and articulate argument that enforces the idea that if recycling is to truly work for everyone, then it needs to be a global endeavor. Miller proves that something seemingly obvious is anything but that.

Judges comments: Advice we often hear: If you want to avoid controversy or an argument, avoid the topic of religion. But in modern-day India--- indeed, in most places in the world---religion is a force that cannot, and should not, be ignored. Parthiv Parekh proves himself to be a brave writer, by unabashedly pointing out the often lethal conflicts between Muslims and Hindus in his former nation. But like a true political analyst and philosopher, he poses potential and thoughtful solutions.

Judges comments: How do you talk about a topic as huge as race? Mary Jo Kurtz shows us how a first-person essay that is ostensibly about a wholly different topic---a mother’s understandable anxiety about taking her small son for a blood test---can address far broader topics. Kurtz lets her four-year-old boy do much of the talking and it is largely through him and his observations that we learn something profound about the meaning of race. This is a poignant and engaging look at the topic and the author deserves credit for remaining genuinely modest.

Judges comments: As an editor and a writer, I am grateful every day for publications like the Georgia Review. How comforting it is to know that there is a periodical out there that consistently publishes essays this thoughtful. Alison Hawthorne Deming’s essay is the kind of piece you find yourself underlining and bracketing (and exclaiming out loud over) as you read along. This is a wise, profound, anecdotal, far-reaching and truly philosophical account of many, seemingly disparate topics, but Deming manages to expertly link them all. Upon finishing this essay, any careful reader will continue to think about and discuss it. You don’t want the essay to end---and, in a sense, it doesn’t.

Charlotte Magazine - August 2009

Georgia Trend - November 2009

Judges comments: Let me begin by saying that this proved to be the most difficult category to judge because there appeared to be so many Gold winners. Susan Percy’s essay does what an expert piece of writing does: It accomplishes so much with such economy. Here, in a short essay, we learn about her life as a journalist, what the profession means to her, her fears for its future, but also we learn the vital role of journalism in all of our lives. Her use of detail in the essay---what to include and not---is precise and revelatory.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles - June 2008 - April 2009

Judges comments: It is clear from the very beginning that the editorial and creative team at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle wanted nothing less than to raise the editorial, photographic, and typographic bar of AH&L. They have done this—and more—all the while continuing to build on foundational cornerstones such as chic, charming, and traditional. Eschewing brighter colors and page clutter used by many of its contemporaries, AH&L invites readers to taste serenity alongside upscale by employing a softer white-on-white color palette, stately didot-esque italics and clean crisp orderliness. Unafraid of acres of white space, AH&L improves upon its way-finding devices and well-curated photography ushering readers on a leisurely and lust-inducing stroll throughout each page of its magazine.

In the Mix - Vol. 21, Summer 2009

Judges comments: The beautiful opener of Brazil let me know in an instant where this drink was from.

Professional Photographer - September 2009

Judges comments: Stephanie Boozer captured the spirit of each of these lovely dogs.

Gwinnett Magazine - May/June 2009

Judges comments: The portraits were home hitting, touching hearts with such thoughtful poignant imagery. The photographers captured amazing moments, subjects were proud, humbling, and memorable to the readers.

Judges comments:

Judges comments: Clean design that lets the photography shine.

Judges comments: Great concepts and design, especially cover for July/August 2009 Issue and cover story illustration.

Judges comments: Great Classic Typography and layout. Gorgeous photography.

Judges comments: What an empowering piece that directly meets the needs of its readers. Thorough, actionable, and intelligently reported, Making Cents is guaranteed to spark ideas for readers — and make them look like heroes to their companies. Even better: The editors compile more tips online. Smart, savvy, superb way to serve a readership.

Judges comments: For professional photographers, this feature alone is worth the cost of the subscription! The editors have pulled together a tightly vetted, thoroughly reported, well-packaged service piece that directly affects the bottom line of their readers. Kudos, too, to the designer for using large images of the products.
 

Atlanta Parent Magazine - May 2009

Judges comments: This article hits all the parenting tender spots — and addresses them with straightforward advice and specific solutions.

Judges comments: Out of the entire group of Service Journalism pieces across the board, Getting Care on the Fly was the pièce de résistance. This article exemplifies what service journalism is all about. Using real-life stories to address its most crucial reader concerns.

National Real Estate Investor - March 20089

Judges comments: "This cover looks more like Wired and Rolling Stone. The art director, Jaun Mims, has taken the driest of subjects and pushed it forward by leaps and bounds. The portrait is on trend and feels like it could be on the cover of Newsweek or Time. The supporting typography completes the package with its Swiss sparseness and modern appeal."

Judges comments: A wonderful cover that rivals any nation shelter magazine today. It's breezy quality and lack of formality is the perfect foil to so many stodgy shelter magazines that are void of people or any real warmth. The subject matter's easy smile and standing position on the bed takes the cover to an entirely unexpected place. More shelter magazines could use a strong dose of what
Charlotte Magazine's Home and Gardens has done so well.

Paste Magazine - Sept 2009 Issue 56

Judges comments: World class design continues to come from this unexpected publication. Each cover is a work of art while still remaining compelling and wholly consumer friendly. Paste continues to amaze me with its verve, unique voice and overall quality. Where The Wild Things Are is spooky, childlike, wonderful and rock and roll-y all at the same time.

Judges comments: Good stuff. Informative and fun; makes you want to go there yourself, which is the idea.

Judges comments: Outstanding writing. Covers sensitive subject without becoming maudlin and informs the reader.

Judges comments: Spotlighting the ages-old dilemma of choosing a lifelong partner, Khabar intimately examines the complicated landscape facing today’s marriage-aged Indian Americans with honesty and humor. Packed with personal stories and a determination to explore the ingredients of this overcharged subject—a history of arranged marriages, regional prejudices, generational differences, American sexual freedom—the article speaks with candor to the fears that marriage will deplete a woman’s earnings potential, reports on the new role of the Internet and concludes that perhaps Mom and Dad’s beliefs are not so old fashioned.

The Georgia Review - Winter 2009

Judges comments: Goldbarth’s messages, both in prose and poetry, plus a personal glimpse from friends and Lia Purpura’s beautifully sculpted analysis add up to an “original and enduring” effort, as the mission of Georgia Review states. Full of wonder, information and wild metaphors, this packaged feature honors the beauty, power and mystery of words and soars with imagination and humanity.

Judges comments: Writer Michael Kruse easily makes the case that the uniquely American sport of NASCAR, with its long run of big bucks, big egos and big dreams, reflects—with laser-like consistency—the rise, flattening and current position of our country’s economic health. The symmetry between the sport’s history and what Kruse dubs “the new post-American world” is conclusive. From the birth of NASCAR in Daytona Beach in 1947 to an explanation of America’s unfounded belief “’of invincibility’’ in the beginning of this new century, the article concludes like a prayer, quietly, with acknowledgement of great loss, fear and hope.

Judges comments: Packed with useful tips for the part-time meeting planner, Plan Your Meetings’ light, breezy design makes it fun to read.

Judges comments: The breathtaking photography is a given, but the December issue of Professional Photographer also offers a compelling mix of real-world advice and artistic inspiration, delivering on its mission of helping artists make it as businesspeople. My sense in reading this magazine is that the take-home value for readers is very high.

Atlanta Parent Magazine - January 2009

Judges comments: Atlanta Parent is filled to the brim with approachable useful information on a wide array of topics with concise and serviceable editorial. It certainly achieves its mission to give each reader something they can find relevant to their own family - I know because I saved two of the articles for my own use!

Garden & Gun - Aug/Sept 2009

Judges comments: The design and editorial style of this publication captures the essence of the South in an nontraditional way. From personal profiles to events to a reader forum, it offers a full package to those who wish to live the ultimate Southern lifestyle.

In the Mix - vol. 21 fall 2009, vol. 20 summer 2009, vol. 19, spring 2009

Judges comments:  What a great job of balancing business with reader service. Even though ITM deals largely in the back-office sector of the drink and travel industry, it doesn’t get bogged down in the minutia of counting receipts. It’s a fun read, with strong layouts for a B2B publication. The overall editorial plan caters to the reader: understanding their working situations helping them meeting the needs of their clientele.

Professional Photographer - JOctober, April, January 2009

Judges comments: More than just pretty pictures, Professional Photographer is a strong B2B magazine that strikes an excellent balance of how-to content and business strategy. The magazine’s design complements strong photography, while creating multiple entry points for readers to become engaged in the editorial content. Job well done.

Judges comments: Gold Is awarded to the excellent Habitat World for presenting the work,people and dignity of purpose  that makes  Habitat the leading force in affordable housing for underserved citizens in  both  this country and abroad.
 

Today's Charlotte Woman - Feb, March, July 2009

Judges comments: Gold is awarded to Atlanta Parent Magazine for combining energy,creativity and an excellent focus  that well serves  its mission and target audience.

The Georgia Review - Spring, Summer, Fall 2009

Judges comments: The Georgia Review thrives in a no-man’s land between books and magazines, a place the Internet has yet to find and that television could never envision. The foundation for its eclectic compilations of poetry and essays, fiction and art is not what has happened yesterday or today, or even predictions for tomorrow but timelessness. The Review has a consistent ability to touch your mind and soul and transcend its topic, in the way that Mary Cappello’s essay on mammograms becomes a poetic reflection on self and language or Robert and Shana Parke Harrison’s surreal photographs give a glimpse of our uneasy struggles with technology and nature.

Garden & Gun - Feb/March 2009,Aug/Sept 2009, Dec 09/Jan 10

Judges comments: If you yearn for the Old South of quail hunts and manor houses, or want to learn about Willie Nelson’s boot maker, artisanal boudin or West Virginia’s Liars Contest, Garden & Gun is the magazine. Everything about this publication —from the subjects it covers to the inspired writing and clean imagery–is classy without cliche. Garden & Gun is grace dished up with substance, warmth and humor.