UUP’s membership magazine, website and television ad are visually appealing and effectively communicate the union’s message.

So says the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA), which in August recognized UUP with four Labor Media Awards for work produced in 2009.

“We are very proud that our efforts are recognized year after year by professionals who understand the nature of labor communications,” said UUP President Phil Smith.

The Voice won a second place award for Best Cover for the illustration “The squeeze is on.”

The September 2009 cover, top, was created by UUP publications specialist Karen Mattison.

“Very nice photo illustration and important topic to showcase,” according to the judges.

The issue also earned third-place honors for Best Publication Design. The September 2009 issue included six pages of illustrations and other graphic elements designed by Mattison that complemented stories on the harmful effects of SUNY budget cuts, as well as 14 pages of photos, graphics and stories of interest to members.

The “Save SUNY Hospitals” TV ad picked up second-place honors for Best Video Spot/Short Promo. The ad illustrated the negative effects that proposed cuts would have on patients and services, and ended with a call to action that yielded thousands of faxes and phones calls pressuring lawmakers to restore the funds. The 30-second spot, center, was produced under the direction of UUP Director of Communications Denyce Duncan Lacy.

“Amid crushing economic news, this campaign had to break through the statewide media clutter—and it did so by focusing a large public audience on the essentials for a successful New York future,” the judges wrote.

The union’s website, www.uupinfo.org – administered by webmaster Ken Holman – earned a third-place award for Best Content, bottom.

— Karen L. Mattison