Great Smoky Mountains Association earned two first-place awards and four honorable mentions in the Media and Partnership Awards competition held by the Association of Partners for Public Lands in Albuquerque, NM recently.
First-place honors were awarded in the Informational Publications category to Smokies Guide, the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park quarterly newspaper, and in the Electronic Media category to “An Island in the Sky: Clingmans Dome and the Spruce -Fir Forest,” the first in GSMA’s Smoky Mountain Explorer video series.
Contest judges said of the newspaper: “The Smokies Guide consistently delivers well-written content in an engaging style and design. It is a model of an effective publication that stands the test of time. (It consists of) positive, up-beat, lively text, (which is) easy to read and comprehend. Makes me want to clip and save articles.”
Of “An Island in the Sky,” judges said: “This video addresses all aspects of the agency mission from cultural and natural history and recreation to ecosystem management, invasive species, climate change and other emerging issues. This video does an excellent job of simplifying some very complex concepts. A gorgeous video that is interesting and insightful.”
“I’m proud of the work our staff does every day to further the mission of our organization,” said GSMA executive director Terry Maddox. “While most visitors may not realize how often they interact with the many GSMA-supported projects ongoing in the park, I assure you their time here would be less fulfilling if these endeavors did not exist.”
GSMA staffers received honorable mentions in these APPL contest areas:
• 2014 Great Smoky Mountain Calendar, Informational Publications category
• “Smoky Mountain Minute” video series, Multi-media category
• 60th Anniversary Celebration and Membership Appreciation Weekend, Commemorative Program/Project category
• “Scavenger Hikes Adventures and Mountain Journal, Children’s Media category
The Association of Partners for Public Lands’ mission is to enhance the potential of its members, all of which are dedicated to enriching the public’s understanding, appreciation and stewardship of America’s natural and cultural heritage.
Since its inception in 1953, Great Smoky Mountains Association has given more than $32 million to support the ongoing educational, scientific and preservation efforts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Support for the non-profit association is derived primarily from online and visitor center sales of educational products and membership dues. Those who wishes to heighten their Smokies experience are encouraged to join GSMA.
For more information about GSMA products and membership opportunities, “like” them on Facebook.com/greatsmokymountainsassociation; visit and shop their website www.SmokiesInformation.org; or call toll-free (888) 898-9102.
– GSMA
