Creators of the Santa Barbara Community Phone Book proudly accepted a “First Place” award in the prestigious Gold Book Awards at the Association of Directory Publishers Annual Trade Show and Convention on April 25 in Las Vegas.
For the third year in a row the phone book placed first in the “Excellence in Print Directories” category for mid-sized markets, read a press release by publishers McGill Directional Media LLC. Phone books are judged on several criteria, including the amount of advertising content and information available to local consumers, the overall excellence in design, layout, print quality, and ease of use.
In 2008, the phone book was introduced as an easy-to-use and easy-to-read community resource. The book contains color advertisements for local businesses, residential and business white pages, a community services section, and a visitor’s guide that includes dining, wineries, performing arts venues, and a golf guide. It has surpassed competitors and become the most used yellow pages in the Santa Barbara County at a circulation size of 25,001-50,000.
The phone book’s creators have strived to craft the “greenest” possible product. The paper is derived from recycled post-consumer waste and fiber derived from sawmill waste, and the inks, dyes, and adhesives are biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. The directory is 100% recyclable.
Mike McGill, President of McGill Directional Media and publisher of the community phone book said in a prepared statement, “Advertisers, consumers, and local agencies and organizations joined together to support our mission to ‘Shop Local’ and promote local businesses. And supporting local businesses is the best way to boost our local economy.”
The print directory can be found on your doorstep or online. Also online is the complementary “Shop Local” mobile app that can be downloaded via the Apple app store. The new 2016 print issue is currently being distributed to all homes and businesses throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, and Carpinteria.