The Statesboro Herald's home Web site, statesboroherald.com, has been judged the best daily newspaper Web site for 2009 among the more than 2,700 members of the National Newspaper Association (NNA).
    “To receive a first place award in national competition is a great honor for Statesboro,” said Publisher Randy Morton. “We're very fortunate to have such a talented and hard working multimedia staff that made this happen."
    The award came after the Herald was entered into the NNA's Better Newspaper Contest. The Web site beat out runner-up the Reporter-Herald in Loveland, Colo., and third place went to The Daily Record in Baltimore, Md.
    “Obviously, we're very honored,” Executive Editor James Healy added. “It's a testament to the hard work we've put into our multimedia efforts over the past few years.”
    Morton also cited the community for contributing to the success of the Web site.
    “It's also a tribute to the support of our readers and local businesses,” he said. “By combining the strength of our Web sites with our daily newspaper and other print products, we're able to offer a very powerful local multimedia package, and our customers are taking advantage of it."
    The NNA was established in 1885 and is currently the largest newspaper association in America. Winners of the Better Newspaper Contest will be recognized at the “Toast to the Winners” awards reception at the National Newspaper Association's 123rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Ala.
    "Special thanks also to the Morris Technology Development Team and our parent company Morris Multimedia,” Morton said. “They have helped us turn new ideas into cutting edge tools to deliver the latest local news and information.”