The Invermere Valley Echo recently garnered acclaim at the British Columbia and the Yukon’s Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards, placing third in its circulation category for newspaper excellence.

“To take third place in a group of eight community newspapers with similar circulation numbers in the newspaper excellence category at the recent Ma Murray awards is a testament to the passionate and dedicated work we have committed to The Valley Echo during the past 18 months. It is a sweet reward at the end of the day to be recognized in this way,” said publisher Rose-Marie Fagerholm.

The Valley Echo earned a total score of 70.66 out of 100 and judges commented on the paper’s high production quality and careful use of white space, which in their opinions makes the paper approachable and easy to read. Top spot in the same circulation category went to the Osoyoos Times, with the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle second.

“I think this award speaks how great a team we have in Invermere, both with the Echo and with the Pioneer. I am proud of the efforts of our team,” said Black Press Kootenay group publisher and British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Association president Chuck Bennett.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer came fourth for newspaper excellence in its higher circulation category.

The Valley Echo was also recognized earlier this month at the Canadian Community National Newspaper Awards, earning two second places and a third place in its circulation category, including second place for best all-round newspaper, second place for best editorial page and third place for best front page. Alberta’s Macleod Gazette took first place in all three of those categories.

The awards were based on the newspapers’ 2013 issue, prior to The Valley Echo’s eye-catching redesign that was introduced in early 2014 and its even-more recent website redesign.

“With the increased depth of excellent editorial content in The Valley Echo and the fresh consistent look from the redesign we did earlier this year, we look forward to grabbing more attention and awards from our industry next year,” said Ms. Fagerholm.

And subscribers to The Valley Echo can now access high quality Canadian Press editorial content at www.invermerevalleyecho.com just below the video belt under the Question of the Day in the form of a single headline (and picture if available)  along with a sidebar column of CP headlines of top stories from around BC, Canada and the world.