For the second year in a row, the Chestnut Hill Local has won a sweepstakes award in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation Advertising Contest.

The win in the statewide competition was presented for outstanding performance in Division IV, the under 10,000 circulation category. Nearly half of the competing newspapers are part of Division IV.

In addition to the sweepstakes, the Local garnered nine individual category awards, touching on all aspects of its operations from newspaper, magazine and digital to marketing and community outreach.

“This award is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our staff, who pour their talent and heart into serving this community every single week,” said Laura Lucas, president of the Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA), which owns the Local. “At a time when so many local newspapers are fighting just to stay open, this recognition is a powerful reminder of what strong, community‑rooted journalism can still achieve. When small businesses choose to advertise with us, they’re not only reaching loyal local readers — they’re helping sustain a trusted institution that keeps Chestnut Hill informed, connected and thriving.”

“Congratulations to the Local on their well-deserved award. Throughout the year the advertising and ad campaigns are top-notch. It’s really great that they are being recognized by their peers for their hard work and talent,” said Anne McNiff, the CHCA executive director.

The winners will be honored at an awards luncheon on Sept. 17 in conjunction with the PNA advertising conference, held Sept.16-18 in State College.

The points earned in the advertising contest will combine with the Keystone Media Awards for editorial content to determine the News Organization of the Year awards. The Local has been recognized as one of the state’s leading news organizations for each of the past three years.

“Awards focus on one person or aspect of a business. But they are a result of a team effort, especially in the newspaper business,” said Leisha Shaffer, the Local’s manager of sales and marketing. “I’m particularly proud and appreciative of receiving the small newspaper sweepstakes award since we were in the most competitive division of the contest.

“Congratulations to our advertising representatives George Ward, Jason Hellmann and Leslie Cerf for their contributions to the award-winning entries. Sales reps deal with objections and rejection on a daily basis, especially in a tough economy. Having your efforts recognized definitively puts a little extra pep in your step!

“Congrats and a huge thank you to our creative staff – Blaise Brugger, Amy Jacoby and Hannah Pilling. They bring our ideas to life and always make all of us look better. Special nod to Samantha Gibb Roff, development director, Heather Gray, CHCA marketing director, and Eric Shelton, CHCA board member for their collaboration on one of our winning entries.

“Thank you to our editorial staff for creating a newspaper that people want to read each week. The Local has a more robust advertising base than most area newspapers and that is due in large part to the fact that we give people a publication that is engaging and meaningful.

“And, lastly, thank you to our advertisers and to our readers who patronize the local businesses that support the Local. If you haven’t promoted your business in the Local, I encourage you to give it a try and see what we can do for you.”

The winning entries were as follows:

First places:

Best Single Print ad – Tyler Park Crafts in the Meadow

Ad Campaign or Series – John Neill Painting

Ad Campaign using Multiple Products – Laurel Hill Cemetery

Special Event/Vendor Support Idea – 2025 Home & Garden Festival Guide

Second places:

Self Promotion Advertising – Shop & Dine (annual appeal campaign)

Wild Card Category – The Green Edition

Honorable Mentions:

Multiple advertiser ad: Last Minute Gift shopping page

Self Promotion Advertising – Meet Our Reporters

Best Real Estate ad – Elfant Wissahickon