Long-standing members of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association were recognized Friday, May 9, for their contributions to the industry.
At the Presidents Luncheon at Ink & Beyond, Rick Derksen, publisher of The Carillon in southeastern Manitoba and owner of Derksen Printers, was honoured with the Gold Quill.
The prestigious award is given to a person who has served 50 or more years in the community newspaper industry.
Two others were recognized Friday evening.
Metroland Media Group president Murray Skinner received Honorary Life Membership in the CCNA for his contribution of community journalism in Canada.
Skinner was named president of Metroland in 2000, after more than 30 years with the company.
Under his leadership, Metroland grew into a substantial part of Torstar. Metroland is made up of more than 100 community newspapers in Ontario. Skinner is expected to retire from his post on July 1.
David Black, president and owner of Black Press, was given the Margaret Hennigar Award for exemplary leadership for 2008. He was also given Honorary Life Membership by the CCNA.
BlackÔÇÖs career began in 1975 when he bought British ColumbiaÔÇÖs Williams Lake Tribune from his father.
From that one newspaper, he built a company with more than 175 publications in B.C., Alberta, Washington state, Ohio, and Hawaii.
Black was honoured for his success in the newspaper industry and work with organizations including the Rotary Club, Commonwealth Games, and B.C. Progress Board.
Read more of the Toronto Star‘s coverage from Ink & Beyond at www.inkandbeyond.ca.