I am pleased to share that the Business Record received awards in three categories at the recent Alliance of Area Business Publishers (AABP) 2025 Editorial Excellence Awards.

As a member of AABP, which includes a network of regional and local publications across the U.S., Canada and Australia, and after spending the past year leading the organization as president of the board, I’ve had a firsthand look at how our member publications across the country, some much larger than ours, produce some of the best journalism in the country. And each year, the AABP Editorial Excellence Awards serve as a benchmark for quality and innovation in regional business reporting.

The awards, judged by esteemed faculty from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, recognized the Business Record in three categories. These honors highlight not only the journalistic excellence of our team but also the trust our readers place in us that enables us to tell the stories that matter most to the business community.

Best Specialty E-Newsletter – Silver: Fearless e-newsletter.
Fearless has been a consistent standout since its inception. Its personal tone and compelling format have not only earned recognition from the judges year after year but have also inspired our peers to follow suit. Congratulations to Emily Wood for her continued leadership on this exceptional product and to Macey Shofroth for carrying forward the tradition of outstanding reporting and thoughtful curation.
From the judges: “The personal touch – introduced in each letter with a note from the staff writers and continued in the content curated for its target readers – makes this newsletter stand out. It is not just an offering of news and information, but a look into why the topics at hand were chosen.”

Best Beat Reporting – Silver: Commercial Real Estate, Michael Crumb, senior staff writer.
This recognition highlights the work Michael has produced on a new and complex beat. It comes as no surprise; it simply reaffirms what we already know: Michael does outstanding work. Both the community and the Business Record are fortunate to have a senior reporter with his talent, dedication and ability.
From the judges: “Clear, confident writing helps readers to understand how, where and why the city is growing. A heartfelt peek behind the motives of a large real estate seller brought a warm human touch to the package.”

Best Feature Single Story – Silver: “A Farm Transformation” by Kyle Heim.
This recognition is well deserved and speaks to Kyle’s instinct for finding compelling stories. As he settles into a new role outside of BPC, we’re committed to ensuring his voice continues to resonate in our products as a valued freelancer.
From the judges: “The writer does the story justice by examining the process of change and the particular strategies this family adopted to innovate and adjust. What became a breakthrough for one family may inform countless others, an example that illustrates the value of this kind of journalism.”

For more than 40 years, the Business Record has been a trusted source of local business news, earning the trust of our community and its leaders. While we don’t do this work for accolades, our greatest reward is knowing we’re making a real impact for our audience. That said, these awards are a meaningful reflection of the hard work, talent and dedication of our entire team.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our audience and partners. It’s thanks to you that we can provide high-quality reporting and valuable content.

If you believe in the importance of local journalism, I invite you to join us as a member. You can stay connected to the vibrant Central Iowa business community through a Business Record membership or by signing up for our newsletters.

Thank you again for your trust and support. We are proud to serve Iowa and look forward to another year of connecting you to the stories, people and ideas that are shaping the future of our region.

Warm regards,

Chris Conetzkey
President and Group Publisher
Business Publications Corporation