SCPA needs PDFs of all winning writing and design entries to display at the Annual Meeting!  It is very important that you send these in as they will be used at the Annual Meeting in the tabloid, PowerPoints and in the exhibit of display boards. Winners of in-depth reading contests do not need to submit PDFs. We will display the actual tearsheets. The deadline to submit PDFs is Feb. 17. Sorry, no exceptions to this deadline can be made. Here are the ways you can submit your PDFS:

•  Files can be uploaded to our FTP site. You will need a unique log-in and password to use this option. E-mail Jen to get log-in information. Instructions on how to use the FTP site are available here.
• Save your PDFs to a disk or flash drive and mail to SCPA at PO Box 11429, Columbia, SC 29211.
• You can e-mail files to us. MAKE SURE that the total size of your message is less than 4 MB or it will not come through our server. If you choose this method of submitting, make sure to resize your PDF file.

Join SCPA and newspapers across the country this week in highlighting the importance of open government and the FOIA!  Sunshine Week kick will kick off on Sunday, March 11, and run through March 17. SCPA will have Op-eds on the importance of transparency, as well as an editorial cartoon. Remind your readers that open access to information makes our communities stronger. Also, you’ll find many great promotional tools (logos, op-eds, cartoons) at on the national Sunshine Week site. There is no charge to use these materials.

Only nine miles from historic, downtown Charleston, the Tides on Folly Beach is a newly renovated and locally-owned hotel that sits on the region's most beautiful beach. Step away from your deadline pressures and ringing phones and celebrate your News Contest wins with your Press Association friends! Make a mini-vacation out of this year's Annual Meeting. Bring your family (even your dog!) as we get together to celebrate another year of quality journalism in the Palmetto State! All rooms are oceanfront... even the classroom for Saturday's training sessions. Meals will feature locally grown and sustainable menu items. And get ready to party... this eclectic hotel is within walking distance to tons of shops, restaurants and bars. A full schedule of events and registration materials will be available in early December. If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact Jen Madden.