Bethesda, Md., Nov. 1, 200'–ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine was recognized by the magazine publishing industry for its coveted Silver Award in the Best Redesign (B-to-B over 35,000 circulation) category.

The award was presented October 29 at the New York Hilton, where Folio: magazine hosted its 16th Annual Celebration of Excellence Awards gala. Both the Editorial Excellence and Ozzie awards (for publication design) were announced at the event. According to event organizers, entries this year spanned the globe, including Australia, China, Finland, Germany, Canada and South Africa.

"This Ozzie Award is the culmination of a ton of effort on the part of several people who are really good at what they do," said ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Publisher John W. Maisel. "The entire magazine team really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with this comprehensive redesign. And it shows on every page."

Magazine professionals from across the country who carefully evaluate thousands of entries select the winners for the Ozzies and the Editorial Excellence Awards. "This award is special because our peers in the consumer press and the B2B market saw fit to honor us among the scores of quality magazines out there," Maisel said. "It’s a great feeling of accomplishment to be honored among such fine publications."

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’s redesign project began when Maisel started as publisher in September 2001. The redesign came to fruition with the April 2002 issue, after six months of careful planning and creative thinking.

"This award wouldn’t be possible without incredible vision and a solid plan of attack," said ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Editor Joe Kelly. "From the moment he walked in the door, he set his sights on improving the magazine in every way. His 30-plus years of publishing experience provided the right background to get it done right. The design team then did their wonderful work. They went above and beyond their assignment, but it all started with John’s vision for excellence."

The creative eyes and minds of Bono Mitchell and Tom Specht, from BonoTom Studio of Arlington, Va., and the careful attention to detail by the entire ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR staff made this Ozzie Award possible.

"We’re shooting for Gold next year," Maisel added. "We can’t win it for another redesign, but there are other categories we are aiming for. We still have a long way to go, but this is a wonderful start."

About ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine is the complete information source for electrical construction professionals. The magazine delivers the latest information in the areas of power, communications and controls to 85,000 industry leaders so they can gain a competitive advantage. This industry-leading publication’s editorial content covers the entire spectrum of work completed by electrical contractors, from residential to commercial and industrial work. If electrical contractors do it, you will find it in ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. EC