The Idaho Press Club, a statewide organization of professional journalists, last week presented awards of excellence to participating members in categories that ranged from feature and news writing to investigative reporting and public relations campaigns.

News organizations, advertising firms, private companies and state agencies from throughout Idaho annually compete for the prestigious awards.

The Idaho Transportation Department garnered a number of honors in the process, a reflection of its commitment to excellence in communications and public involvement. The awards also underscore the caliber of Public Affairs staff who continually work to advance ITD's reputation as a responsible, dedicated public service agency.

This year’s ITD winners include a Highway Safety media campaign about aggressive driving. Also among the winning entries were the 2003 annual report, news releases and a Transporter story.

Idaho Press Club 2003 Awards

News release writing (selection of three samples submitted)
• Darla Christiansen, 2nd place
• Bryant Kuechle, 3rd place

Feature writing
• Mel Coulter, 3rd place, “Retirement will allow Mary Detmar to focus on new ways of turning small pieces into big picture” (Transporter article)

Annual report
• Public Affairs Office, 3rd place, “Transforming Transportation”

Media campaign
• Office of Highway Safety, 3rd place, “Aggressive Driving Campaign”

For a complete list of winners, go to http://www.idahopressclub.org/ .