News Leader staffer is network sales rep of the year

Robin Henderson, of The News Leader in Staunton, has been named the Statewide Classified Advertising Network “Sales Representative of the Year” by Virginia Press Services Inc.

The announcement was made during the June 11 Classified Conference at VPA Headquarters in Glen Allen.

Between July 1 of last year and June 8 of this year, Henderson sold 121 ads into the SCAN. For her efforts, Henderson received a $100 prize.

The competition’s second place went to Melissa Chambliss, of The Roanoke Times, who sold 33 ads into the network. Third place went to Barbara Arthur, of The South Hill Enterprise, who sold 24 ads. Chambliss and Arthur each received $50 prizes.

Fourth place was taken by Mary Kay Robertson, of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who sold 16 ads. She received a VPA gift package.

John Edwards ends tenure on FOI Advisory Council

John Edwards, publisher and editor of The Smithfield Times and an original member of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, ended his tenure on the council Monday afternoon amid praise from colleagues and fellow councilors.

Council member Roger Wiley called the Hall of Fame journalist a “fine person to deal with,” even when they disagreed on some issues. Council member Ralph L. Axselle Jr. said Edwards “epitomized forceful, thoughtful advocacy for his position,” while council member Craig Fifer praised him as someone who “represents Virginia values.”

Ginger Stanley, executive director of the Virginia Press Association, saluted the “quality performance John has given” on the council. Megan Rhyne, of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, hailed him as the “patron saint” of the council.

Edwards was humbled by the accolades. He called his eight years on the council “a pleasure for me and an honor.”

Because he had served two full terms, Edwards was not eligible for reappointment. He will be succeeded on the council by Forrest M. “Frosty” Landon, retired executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.

Mark your calendar for the SNPA Traveling Campus

Make sure you circle Aug. 26-28 on your calendar. That’s when the SNPA Traveling Campus makes its annual visit to VPA Headquarters.

The SNPA Traveling Campus, sponsored by the SNPA Foundation, is a series of free sessions on topics covering a wide spectrum of the newspaper industry. More details on the exact topics to be covered will be available later.

Want to become a committee member? Call VPA

VPA has 15 committees that serve as policy-shaping advisers for association initiatives and events, such as the two major conferences, training seminars and lobbying efforts. These committees are open to any VPA member who feels he or she has expertise in a particular area.

VPA is looking for potential members for the following committees: Advertising, Advertising Contest, Awards (News Contest), Cameras in the Courtroom, Classified, Diversity, Freedom of Information, Journalism Education, Legislative, New Media, News Program, Newspapers in Education, Operations, Professional Development and Public Notice Task Force.

If you would like more information about the work of these committees, or you would like to join one of them, contact Ginger Stanley at (804) 521-7575.

Send your rate cards for both print, online ads

Virginia Press Services Inc. requests that VPA members who updated their rate cards for both print and online advertising should send those updates to VPS.

VPS uses this information to customize ad-placement orders for newspapers and newspaper Web sites throughout Virginia.

Rate cards may be e-mailed to Diana Shaban, VPS advertising director. Hard copies of the cards should be mailed to her attention at Virginia Press Services Inc., 11529 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059.