Geosynthetics article wins first-place gold

IFAI titles take top honors at magazine awards ceremony

By Ron Bygness

A Geosynthetics magazine article featuring the management of the pond and reservoir systems at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station has earned a first-place gold award for Best Technical Article from the Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association (MMPA).

The article, which ran as the cover story in the October/November 2013 issue of Geosynthetics, was written by Chris Eichelberger and Gerald Hersh from American Environmental Group Ltd., and Shabbir Pittalwala from Arizona Public Service. It focused on the use of geosynthetic materials for water containment, reservoir construction, and design and reconstruction of the Arizona facility’s ponds and reservoirs.

The judges’ evaluation stated:
Full of substance and perfectly suited to its target audience, this highly technical article was a surprisingly good read. Great images and visuals really complemented the story and sealed the gold for this entry.

The eight-page article, containing 10 photos and figures, was edited by Ron Bygness and designed by Cathy Rose, both with the publishing arm at the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) in Roseville, Minn.

IFAI magazines were among the most honored at the 18th annual MMPA Excellence Awards ceremony Nov. 13
in Minneapolis.

The Excellence Awards competition was created to recognize and foster outstanding publishing achievement. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges selected and assigned based on their expertise, experience, and ability to judge entries fairly.

IFAI publisher, Steve Schiffman, also took home the Greg Carey Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts to support the MMPA.

Of IFAI’s 11 magazine award entries, nine were cited with awards, including five gold, two silver, and two bronze.

Ron Bygness is the senior editor of Geosynthetics magazine.