Bill Draayer Award 2005

Given in recognition of outstanding personal contributions to the progress and development of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association.

LYNNE CHERNIN

Lynne Chernin began her career as a newspaper publisher at the Hinton Parklander in March 1985. She credits Bill Dempsey, president and CEO of Bowes Publishers Limited for the initial opportunity and for many years of mentorship and support while learning the art of community newspaper publishing.

Lynne's enthusiasm for Hinton was evident from the beginning.  She served as a director of the Hinton Chamber of Commerce and subsequently served a term as first vice president of this dynamic and growing chamber.  Her active community involvement also entailed service as an FCSS board director, director of the Boys and Girls Club and numerous other community involvements.

In 1993, Lynne took over the helm of the Camrose Canadian as publisher in a very competitive market.  Leading by example, Lynne is equally proud of both her team and the snappy modern read produced every week.

With a continuous passion to improve her newspaper, Lynne has overseen substantial change at the Canadian from broadsheet to tab, paid to free distribution, adapting content for a changing community, to implementing the latest technology.  Lynne has met the challenges head on.

Lynne has always demonstrated her commitment to Camrose through community service.  She served as president of the Camrose Chamber of Commerce in 1998, assisted the Boys and Girls Club, the Camrose Trade Show and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Camrose.

AWNA has provided Lynne with many rewarding experiences.  A move from Hinton to assume the role of publisher for the Fort Saskatchewan Record gave Lynne an opportunity to serve AWNA in a significant way.  She has chaired the Fall Convention twice, chaired the BNC awards (two years), chaired the Advertising committee for two years (served four years).  For good measure she also chaired the Government Relations Committee and the Education Committee.

During the mid 1990s the late Gordon Scott approached Lynne to consider the position of 2nd Vice President.  Serving five years on the AWNA executive including a term as president in 2000, Lynne describes the time as the best experience of her career.  She is quick to again acknowledge her company for supporting her devotion of time and energy to AWNA.

Life has revolved around work, community and AWNA until 2004 when Lynne's mother became very ill.  Only months later she lost her father to cancer. Lynne's mother is very proud of her achievements and her father would have been thrilled to see the recognition so deservedly bestowed on Lynne by her peers.  Lynne credits her father for her work ethic, her high standards and commitment to people. Bill Draayer would no doubt be the first to concur.