Untitled Document

ITD garners six Idaho Press Club awards

ITD returned from the Idaho Press Club’s annual award ceremony with six honors in the public relations category last week, including a first for Special-purpose Web site.

Idaho’s Scenic Byways Web (http://www.idahobyways.gov/ ) site claimed top honors in the special purpose category. Public Information Officer Jeff Stratten entered the site on behalf of the transportation department and scenic byways coordinator Garry Young.

"The ease of site navigation is to be appreciated by Idaho travelers," judges wrote. The Web site received top scores for impact and conformity to contest criteria.

ITD also received a second-place award of general excellence for its enhanced 5-1-1 Web site (511.idaho.gov).

Communications specialist Mel Coulter received a second place award for his Transporter feature “A Single Digit,” that described the internal chain of events when he dialed 911 instead of 5-1-1 to receive traveler information. The 911 call prompted an emergency response by specially trained ITD staff to his office last year.

"A very interesting piece of writing," according to the judge, who awarded excellent ratings for originality, enterprise and conforming to the contest criteria.

Coulter and Steve Grant, also a communications specialist, received a third place for preparation of a media kit to promote the department’s unveiling of digital license plates last fall. "Good integration of information throughout," wrote the contest judge. Folder color was a perfect match on the license plate." The entry was judged excellent for technical/writing, impact and conformity to contest criteria.

A brochure outlining ITD’s construction plan for Interstate 84, Broadway to Eisenman, finished second behind only the Idaho Housing and Finance Association for Special Purpose Publications. Mollie McCarty and Adam Rush submitted the entry on behalf of the department,

ITD’s final award was an honorable mention to Grant for a media campaign that promoted the launch of Idaho’s Safe Routes to School program. "An important campaign, well executed," the judge wrote. The entry received excellent designations for reader interest, impact, writing style and conformity to contest criteria.