Mainebiz issue Dec. 16, 2024
Renee Cordes's cover story about tariffs won a gold award for Best Explanatory Journalism.
June 22, 2025
Mainebiz wins 8 national business journalism awards
Images / Mainebiz
Mainebiz won eight awards from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers for work published in 2024.
By Staff
For editorial coverage and design in 2024, Mainebiz took home eight awards – including five first-place honors – from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers at an event in Ottawa over the weekend.
The awards were announced Friday evening in the Canadian capital, as part of the organization's three-day summer conference. The Norwalk, Conn.-based trade group represents dozens of business publications across North America (and one in Australia) with a combined circulation of over 1.2 million.
Entries are judged by faculty at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and winners were announced Friday evening in the Canadian capital of Ottawa at AABP's annual summer conference.
In the medium-sized publication category, Mainebiz Deputy Editor Renee Cordes won for Best Explanatory Journalism (for “Tariff turmoil”); Best Feature Single Story (for “Charms of the farm"), and Best Beat Reporting in Economics and Finance.
“This reporter shows expertise in taking a national headline and bringing it home, whether it be banks worried about high interest rates, or those rates fueling lots of bank mergers,” the judges noted. “She also is adept at spotting trends in finance, such as local small- and medium-size companies using contract Chief Financial Officers. All in all, this entry shows skill with making complex topics explainable.”
Design awards
Cover design / Matt Selva
This award-winning cover features a photo by Tim Greenway.
Adding to his long winning streak, Mainebiz Art Director Matt Selva earned three individual awards and one team award for design.
For Best Front Page – Newspaper, Selva won a gold award for “Growing Pains,” published on March 4, 2024, for a cover that includes a photo by Tim Greenway.
“The dramatic photograph and integrated type treatments communicate an impactful visual message,” the judges noted. “Negative space is used effectively to heighten the mood and convey a sense of emotion. The illuminating headline treatment sheds light on a scientific issue. The logo and headers are bold and deliver immediate brand recognition, all while incorporating and celebrating an anniversary in a clever manner.”
Selva also took first prize for Best Overall Design – Medium Tabloids, for 2024 editions published on Jan. 22 (“Back on the Clock”), May 27 (“Charms of the farm”), Dec. 2 (“CFOs on call”) and Dec. 16 (“Tariff turmoil”).
“This publication delivers a standout visual experience through bold, adventurous design choices and a consistently captivating cover strategy,” the judges said, citing Selva’s expressive use of color, sharp typography and beautifully curated photography to give each feature story strength and presence.
For Best Feature Layout – Newspaper, Selva received a bronze award for “The Real Deal," a cover story published in April 2024.
Selva, along with contributing photographers Tim Greenway, Fred Field and Jim Neuger, was also recognized with a bronze award for Best Use of Photography and Illustrations.
Mainebiz
The Mainebiz Fact Book received a silver award in the ancillary publication category.
Fact Book was recognized with a silver award for Best Ancillary Publication.
"With the tagline 'Doing business in Maine,' this publication sets a high bar — and then vaults over it,' the judges commented.
'Editorial impact'
“I’m incredibly proud to celebrate our team’s excellence — congratulations to Deputy Editor Renee Cordes and Art Director Matt Selva, for each earning three awards, and to our entire publication for taking home eight honors in total,” said Mainebiz Publisher Andrea Tetzlaff.
“Renee’s commitment to meaningful, explanatory journalism is unmatched, and it’s wonderful to see that recognized by AABP,” she added. “Matt’s eye-catching designs consistently elevate our storytelling, ensuring each piece is brought to life visually. These awards are a true testament to the power of creativity, collaboration and editorial impact."
Mainebiz’s two sister publications — the Worcester (Mass.) Business Journal and Hartford (Conn.) Business Journal — also received prizes. All three publications are owned by New England Business Media, which is led by CEO Peter Stanton and President Tom Curtin.
Find the full list of winners and judges' comments here.
Photo / New England Business Media
From left, Stephanie Stanton, Leah Allen, Brad Kane, Renee Cordes and Andrea Tetzlaff of Mainebiz, Greg Bordonaro and Peter Stanton represented New England Business Media at the AABP summer conference in Ottawa.
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