The following are the results from each TAWA bylaw proposal on the ballot at Truck Rodeo this year:

Proposed Bylaw Amendments

Article IV Board of Directors
Section 1 Composition

Summary: Eliminates the position of Past President as the ninth member of the Board of Directors. Empowers the President to have a tie-breaking vote.

Current Wording: The Board of Directors shall be composed of nine (9) elected members who are elected to a designated Officer position to one of six (6) designated Officer positions plus two (2) At-Large Directors. The immediate Past-President serves as the ninth member of the Board of Directors. If the organization has an Executive Director, this person will serve on the board as a non-voting member.

Proposed Wording: The Board of Directors shall be composed of eight (8) elected members who are elected to one of six (6) designated Officer positions plus two (2) At-Large Directors. The Board President does not have voting power except in cases of a tie. If the organization has an Executive Director, this person will serve on the board as a non-voting member.

RESULT: No, 31-15


Article IV Board of Directors
Section 3 Elections
Paragraph G

Summary: Under our current bylaws, elections are held every two years for the entire board. This proposal would create staggered terms so that four board members come up for election every single year. If this amendment passes, an election will be held for all board members at the 2019 Texas Truck Rodeo, according to the current bylaws, but four of those elected positions will be for one-year terms to create the staggered election schedule for the future. All elections will be for two-year terms thereafter.

Current Wording: Terms of all Board Members, Officers, Committee Chairs, and Committee Members will be based on a Calendar Year basis, running from January 1 to December 31 of the second year of the officer’s term.

Proposed Wording: Terms of all Board Members, Officers, Committee Chairs, and Committee Members will be based on a Calendar Year basis, running from January 1 to December 31 of the second year of the officer’s term. Elections will be held in odd years for the President, 1st VP, Secretary and one Director at Large; and even years for the 2nd VP, 3rd VP, Treasurer and the remaining Director at Large. An initial election with one-year terms for four positions will be allowed to facilitate the transition in 2019.

RESULT: Yes, 41-5

Article IV Board of Directors
Section 3 Elections
Paragraph G

Summary: This proposal creates a term limit for the President position, not allowing them to serve consecutive terms. Note that it does not stop past Presidents from serving at a later date.

Current Wording: Members will be limited to serving two (2) consecutive terms in any elected position on the Board of Directors.

Proposed Wording: The President may not serve in consecutive terms, and all other members will be limited to serving two (2) consecutive terms in any elected position on the Board of Directors.

RESULT: Yes, 41-5

Article IV Board of Directors
Section 5 Vacancies

Summary: This cleans up the wording about our current terms of office, which are two years, not one year.

Current Wording: Vacancies on the Board might occur as a result of a member being dropped, moving out of the State, or otherwise resigning prior to the fulfillment of their one year term of office.

Proposed Wording: Vacancies on the Board might occur as a result of a member being dropped, moving out of the State, or otherwise resigning prior to the fulfillment of their term of office.

RESULT: Yes, 42-4



Article V Officers
B. First Vice-President — Membership

Summary: Designates the First Vice-President as our President-Elect. If this passes, there will be an election for TAWA President in 2019, but there would not be an election for President in future years. The First Vice-President would automatically ascend into the President’s role when the term expires.

Current Wording: The First Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence.

Proposed Wording: The First Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence, as well as hold the position of President-Elect. At the end of the President's term, the First VP shall ascend to the position of President for one term.

RESULT: Yes, 31-15

The countdown begins! There are only seven more days until the 2018 Texas Truck Rodeo that will be held on the 1,600 acres of the Longhorn River Ranch nestled in the rolling Texas Hill Country. There are 69 journalists registered to attend the two-day event with 19 automotive brands being represented with their latest in pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs for our journalist members to evaluate. This includes first-time attendee Maserati and the return of Mitsubishi.

For over 20 years, the Texas Truck Rodeo has been a unique opportunity for the journalist members of the Texas Auto Writers Association to evaluate pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs in a side-by-side comparison. We can literally drive one vehicle and immediately drive the competitors on the same roads to do a real-time comparison of fresh products, an opportunity found in very few places. This is an important aspect of the event as journalists continue to learn about the evolving automotive industry and develop stories for outlets that reach potential automotive consumers. Once the evaluations are completed and the votes from each journalist are accumulated, the Truck of Texas is crowned. 

"In Texas, where almost 25 percent of trucks are sold and where many journalists are focused intensely on pickups, winning a head-to-head comparison is no small task.  We have 19 brands represented this year, and while it is regrettable that General Motors and Ford have decided not to attend, the Texas Truck Rodeo will continue to provide our members with outstanding and unique opportunities to research important vehicles.  We continue to have strong support from journalists this year, and there is a growing number of event sponsors that will be in attendance. While we look forward to General Motors and Ford rejoining the event again in the future, many of our participating manufacturers are bringing more vehicles this year for our members to drive," said Mike Marrs, President of TAWA.

Event credential pickup starts at noon Sunday, Oct. 14, with activities starting as early as 5 p.m. for the TAWA general membership meeting. Then it is "put the pedal to the metal" with a full schedule of activities for two days. Look for more information this week as we finalize plans, and by all means, safe travels to the Rodeo.

The following amendments to TAWA's bylaws will be on the ballot for journalists at the 2018 Texas Truck Rodeo:

Proposed Bylaw Amendments

Article IV Board of Directors
Section 1 Composition

Summary: Eliminates the position of Past President as the ninth member of the Board of Directors. Empowers the President to have a tie-breaking vote.

Current Wording: The Board of Directors shall be composed of nine (9) elected members who are elected to a designated Officer position to one of six (6) designated Officer positions plus two (2) At-Large Directors. The immediate Past-President serves as the ninth member of the Board of Directors. If the organization has an Executive Director, this person will serve on the board as a non-voting member.

Proposed Wording: The Board of Directors shall be composed of eight (8) elected members who are elected to one of six (6) designated Officer positions plus two (2) At-Large Directors. The Board President does not have voting power except in cases of a tie. If the organization has an Executive Director, this person will serve on the board as a non-voting member.

Board recommends a NO Vote


Article IV Board of Directors
Section 3 Elections
Paragraph G

Summary: Under our current bylaws, elections are held every two years for the entire board. This proposal would create staggered terms so that four board members come up for election every single year. If this amendment passes, an election will be held for all board members at the 2019 Texas Truck Rodeo, according to the current bylaws, but four of those elected positions will be for one-year terms to create the staggered election schedule for the future. All elections will be for two-year terms thereafter.

Current Wording: Terms of all Board Members, Officers, Committee Chairs, and Committee Members will be based on a Calendar Year basis, running from January 1 to December 31 of the second year of the officer’s term.

Proposed Wording: Terms of all Board Members, Officers, Committee Chairs, and Committee Members will be based on a Calendar Year basis, running from January 1 to December 31 of the second year of the officer’s term. Elections will be held in odd years for the President, 1st VP, Secretary and one Director at Large; and even years for the 2nd VP, 3rd VP, Treasurer and the remaining Director at Large. An initial election with one-year terms for four positions will be allowed to facilitate the transition in 2019.

Board recommends a YES Vote



Article IV Board of Directors
Section 3 Elections
Paragraph G

Summary: This proposal creates a term limit for the President position, not allowing them to serve consecutive terms. Note that it does not stop past Presidents from serving at a later date.

Current Wording: Members will be limited to serving two (2) consecutive terms in any elected position on the Board of Directors.

Proposed Wording: The President may not serve in consecutive terms, and all other members will be limited to serving two (2) consecutive terms in any elected position on the Board of Directors.

Board recommends a YES Vote

Article IV Board of Directors
Section 5 Vacancies

Summary: This cleans up the wording about our current terms of office, which are two years, not one year.

Current Wording: Vacancies on the Board might occur as a result of a member being dropped, moving out of the State, or otherwise resigning prior to the fulfillment of their one year term of office.

Proposed Wording: Vacancies on the Board might occur as a result of a member being dropped, moving out of the State, or otherwise resigning prior to the fulfillment of their term of office.

Board recommends a YES Vote



Article V Officers
B. First Vice-President — Membership

Summary: Designates the First Vice-President as our President-Elect. If this passes, there will be an election for TAWA President in 2019, but there would not be an election for President in future years. The First Vice-President would automatically ascend into the President’s role when the term expires.

Current Wording: The First Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence.

Proposed Wording: The First Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence, as well as hold the position of President-Elect. At the end of the President's term, the First VP shall ascend to the position of President for one term.

Board recommends a YES Vote

DALLAS — Automotive journalist David Boldt was named the overall winner in the 2018 Texas Truck Invitational writing competition Thursday at the State Fair of Texas.

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), which oversees the contest, announced the award winners Thursday during the media preview of the Texas Auto Show. Boldt won for a report published on txGarage.com about electric vehicles titled “Trucks aren't evil and EVs aren't salvation. Let us pray.”

Bill Owney won the Invitational’s newspaper division with a story about the newly redesigned Ram 1500 pickup.
In addition to the Invitational, a national contest open to all journalists who cover the truck industry, TAWA announced its Excellence in Craft Competition award winners at the event.

“We’re proud of all the great automotive journalism happening in Texas and beyond,” said Houston broadcaster Michael Marrs, TAWA’s president. “We’re glad we can recognize the high-quality, meaningful content being produced by our members and people who cover tucks and SUVs nationally — an important segment for many American families.”

Katzkin Automotive Leather has supported the contest for a second year, greatly adding to the Texas Truck Invitational writing competition with its contribution of a leather interior for the overall winner. “TAWA members strongly lobbied for the addition of a Video category, and it was added for the 2018 Excellence in Craft Competition,” said Tim Spell, who organized the contests for TAWA. “Participation in the new category was strong and the quality of the entries was high.”

"The credentials of the Video category entrants were at such a high level that a panel of three highly accredited judges were used,” Spell said. “Each have a strong visual arts background and offer different professional experiences in videography, graphic design and photography. Thanks to judges Stan Hulen, Chris Waits and Ivan Galvan for contributing their valuable time and expertise.”

Winners of the PR/Marketing Press Kit category – Ram Truck, Jeep and Mazda PR — were all standout entries. 

Hulen said the first-place Ram 1500 Press Kit was “a one-two knockout combo of a dramatic, informative online microsite and a bold physical package of rugged Ram goodies makes this year’s winning entry memorable. Well-designed and well-executed, this press kit is dynamite.”

The new EICC Radio category judge, Jaime Florez, said the quality level of the entries was high. “I had a wonderful time listening to great pieces from very respectable journalists,” he said.

TEXAS TRUCK INVITATIONAL
NEWSPAPER WRITING
• 1st Place – David Boldt — txGarage.com — "Trucks aren't evil and EVs aren't salvation. Let us pray."
• 2nd Place – William Owney — Texarkana Gazette — "Sprinter van saves the day"
• 3rd Place – Kelly Taylor — Winnipeg Free Press — "Slimmed down and raring to go / New Expedition handles extremely well"

MAGAZINE WRITING
• 1st Place – William Owney – MotorcarsNow — "Ram closes gap with Ford as hybrid meets Hemi"
• 2nd Place – Derek Shiekhi — JK-Forum.com — "Wagonmaster Breathes New Life into Jeep Classics"
• 3rd Place – Natan Tazelaar — Texas Truck Tribe — "1960 USAF Ford F-250 Crew Cab - 3rd Generation Veteran”

OVERALL WINNER — David Boldt

TAWA EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT COMPETITION
WEB DESIGN
• 1st Place – Michael Garfield — iHeartVehicles.com — "Driven with An Opinion"
• 2nd Place – Michael Satterfield — Gentleman Racer — "12 High Performance Driving Schools & Experiences"
• 3rd Place – Sherri Tilley – TheFlashList.com — "5 Reasons Every Girl NEEDS a Rolls-Royce Ghost"
• SPECIAL RECOGNITION – James Nelson — InWheelTime.com — "After all these years, still taming the wild in 4Runner style!"

VIDEO
• 1st Place – Nathan Adlen, Tommy Mica, Andre Smirnov – "Cliffhanger 2.0 in Chevy ZR2, Ford Raptor, and Ram Power Wagon"
• 2nd Place – Michael Garfield — "Rolling in the 2018 Corolla"
• 3rd Place – Sherri Tilley — "Toyota Invests $170 Million at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi"
• SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Greg Riley — "2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring"
• SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Jesus Garcia — "2018 Ford Mustang GT Review Road Test"

PR/MARKETING PRESS KITS
• 1st Place – David Elshoff/Ram Truck, Ram 1500 Press Kit
• 2nd Place – Jeep, Jeep Wrangler Press Kit
• 3rd Place – Mazda PR, Mazda6 Press kit

RADIO
• 1st Place – Michael Herzing and Matt Perrault — Let’s Talk Wheels — "Mike Herzing's Automotive Tips"
• 2nd Place – Don Armstrong, Mike Marrs and Konrad DeLong — In Wheel Time — "Interview with Antron Brown, Professional Drag Racer"
• 3rd Place – Harold Gunn and Wayne Cronin — The Automotive Reporter — "Interview with Ford Motor Co. Historian Emeritus Bob Kreipke"

NEWSPAPER WRITING
• 1st Place – David Boldt — txGarage.com — "Hyundai Introduces the New Kona — Lucky You"
• 2nd Place – William Owney — Texarkana Gazette — "Sprinter van saves the day"
• 3rd Place – Michael Garfield — Houston Chronicle — "Toyota RAV4 Shows Why It Was Top-Selling Passenger Vehicle Last Year"

MAGAZINE WRITING
• 1st Place – Natan Tazelaar — Motor Car Journal — “Peugeot 907 Concept - French Super Model”
• 2nd Place – Derek Shiekhi – JK-Forum.com — "Wagonmaster Breathes New Life into Jeep Classics"
• 3rd Place – Tabatha Chovanetz — Focus Magazine/The Motor Mistress — "Mazda in Marfa"
• SPECIAL RECOGNITION — Nick Smirnis — Building Savvy Magazine — "Polaris Slingshot-A Toy with Attitude"

PHOTOGRAPHY
• SPECIAL RECOGNITION — Joe Sage — Arizona Driver Magazine — VW Golf GTI White Silver

JUDGE BIOGRAPHIES
Stan Hulen: Web Design, PR Press Kits and Video

Stan is an award-winning Dallas designer with more than 35 years of experience. Starting his career with a journalism degree from University of Missouri, he worked as Art Director for both the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald until he started his own design firm 25 years ago. Since then, he has served a variety of clients including the State Fair of Texas, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Texas Instruments, SMU, Southwest Airlines, and the cities of Frisco and Plano, Texas. 
An avid automotive-design buff, Stan said he’s devoured every car magazine he could get his hands on for the past 50 years.

Christian Alan Waits - M.Photog. Cr (Master Craftsman Degree): Video and Photography

Christian has been a photographer for 45+ Years.

Degrees: Commercial Photography Degree from East Texas State University, with High Honors, Master of Photography, Professional Photographers of America 1992, Craftsman Photographer, Professional Photographers of America 1993, Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association 1993, Christian holds the degree of Master Craftsman Photographer in Professional Photographers of America. Awards, professional organizations: Christian is a videographer for Dallas summers musicals and has a website where he does video interviews of musical cast. He also does special-effects videos and B-roll for musicals to go with appearances on WFAA TV.

He has been awarded the Kodak Gallery Award for Photographic Excellence, SWPA Best Commercial, SWPA Special Award Best Commercial Product, TPPA Best Overall Commercial, TPPA Best Product, Dallas PPA Best Commercial, Loan Collection Photograph and numerous first-place Distinguished Print Awards and Merits. Christian has lectured at many photography guilds and conventions throughout New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. He is Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association and Charter Fellowship Dallas PPA. Christian is currently the Dallas Summer Musicals photographer.

Ivan Galvan: Video
Ivan is CEO/Founder and Creative Director of DINOR Professional Corp. He’s responsible for the company’s growth, and is hands-on in the design of company’s website, graphic design and video production to promote the company’s products.

Ivan is past graphics design director for the Houston Chronicle’s regular and special automotive sections, as well as Mixed Metal tuner magazine.

His awards include 2006 International Automotive Media Association “Best of Graphics” honor, 2008 46th Houston Advertising Federation Gold ADDY Award and 2009 47th Houston Advertising Federation Gold ADDY Award.

Jaime Florez: Radio
Jaime is in charge of organizing all events attended by Governor Rick Scott in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe, Florida counties, and responsible for all logistics details. He also serves as a translator for Gov. Scott during interviews with Spanish media outlets.

Jaime is director and host of Ruedas ESPN, a two-hour national radio show aired every Sunday on ESPN Deportes Radio (38+ station affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and XM/Sirius satellite radio, Channel 157.

He is former Manager of Public Relations, Communications and Marketing for the North-American office of Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian government’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. His duties included spearheading the IZOD IndyCar Series trade and energy partnership. Jaime also was Publisher, Editorial Director and founder of a network of magazines in Spanish that circulated 650K copies, inserted within the eight largest newspapers.

Steven Cole Smith: Newspaper and Magazine Writing/Texas Truck Invitational

Steven holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was a TAWA founding member. He’s formerly the executive editor of Car and Driver and AMI Auto World magazines, and he wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate for seven years.

He has worked for newspapers in Louisiana, Texas and Florida, and has had bylined stories in hundreds of publications ranging from The Times of London to Forbes magazine to the Financial Times.

He has held NHRA Pro Comp, IMSA, NARRA and SCCA Pro racing licenses. Steven also was the executive producer of Car and Driver Television, and hosted a nationally syndicated motorsports radio program, as well as two weekly local automotive radio shows in Florida.

DECATUR, Texas — Lexus and Chrysler won the top two awards at the 2018 Texas Auto Roundup on April 16-17, presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI). After 49 members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) evaluated 46 vehicles, the 2018 Lexus LC 500 was crowned the overall Car of Texas. In addition, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica took home the event’s other top award, the Family Car of Texas.

TAWA members, who cover the automotive industry for print, online and broadcast outlets across the United States, voted on the top vehicles after spending two days comparing them at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. They took the vehicles on a series of exercises on the 2.5-mile racetrack, pushing performance cars and taking other vehicles on slalom, acceleration and braking tests. They also learned about the new vehicles’ features and changes from manufacturer representatives.

“Our journalists had a clear decision after driving vehicles at a new venue this year,” said Michael Marrs, TAWA’s president. “They thought the new Lexus LC stood out among the competitors for its eye-catching looks and refined but muscular performance on the track.” In addition to SMDI’s title sponsorship, the 2018 event also was supported by the Polaris Slingshot and Wieck Media.

Other category award winners from the 2018 Texas Auto Roundup include:

ACTIVITY VEHICLE

• Winner: 2018 Infiniti QX80
• Runner-Up: 2018 Jeep Wrangler

COMPACT CAR

• Winner: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
• Runner-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

MID-SIZE CAR

• Winner: 2018 Toyota Camry
• Runner-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Passat

FULL-SIZE CAR

• Winner: 2019 Toyota Avalon
• Runner-Up: 2018 Honda Accord

FULL-SIZE LUXURY CAR

• Winner: 2018 Lexus LS 500
• Runner-Up: 2019 Infiniti QX50

GREEN VEHICLE

• Winner: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Runner-Up: 2018 Honda Clarity

MINIVAN

• Winner: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
  

PERFORMANCE COMPACT

• Winner: 2018 Honda Civic Type R
• Runner-Up: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata

PERFORMANCE COUPE

• Winner: 2018 Lexus LC 500
  
• Runner-Up: 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
  

PERFORMANCE SEDAN

• Winner: 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
  
• Runner-Up: 2018 Kia Stinger
  

PERFORMANCE UTILITY

• Winner: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
  
• Runner-Up: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
  

SUPERCAR

• Winner: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GT R
  
• Runner-Up: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
  

BEST TECHNOLOGY

• Winner: World’s First Production-Ready Variable Compression Ratio Engine, 2019 Infiniti QX50
  

BEST NEW INTERIOR

• Winner: 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring
  

Contacts

TAWA
Derek Price, 256-275-4333
VP - Communications
[email protected]
https://texasautowriters.org/

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TAWA ANNOUNCES 2017 TEXAS TRUCK RODEO WINNERS

Austin, TX – Oct. 17, 2017 –The 2018 Ford F150 was named the 2018 Truck of Texas by The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) following the Texas Truck Rodeo in Dripping Springs, Texas, where 75 journalists evaluated and voted on the best in class vehicles in 21 categories.

Sixty-four vehicles, with a combined value of nearly $4 million were test driven and compared over a two-day period at Longhorn River Ranch just outside of Austin.

"With the new 2018 F-150, we're honored to earn back-to-back Truck of Texas awards for F-Series, a recognition that speaks to the truck team's dedication to our hard-working customers," said Raj Nair, executive vice president and president of North America. "That's especially true here in Texas - truck capital of the world.”

Officers of the TAWA board and the Ford Truck Team celebrate the 2018 Ford F-150 Truck of Texas Award

Photo by Kevin McCauley / capturingthemachine.com

The 2018 Volvo XC60 was named the SUV of Texas and the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport was named the CUV of Texas.

The TAWA Truck Rodeo, presented by Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), was held in the scenic Texas Hill Country as vehicles were tested both on local streets and on off-road courses. TAWA members were able to get a full experience of the vehicles driving on rough terrain, climbing rocks, crossing creeks and dodging exotic wildlife. 

Engineers from the competing manufacturers were on hand to answer questions from journalists about the vehicles and to aid in the evaluation process. Vehicles are measured on their interior, exterior, value, performance and personal appeal.  

“The competition was incredibly fierce at this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo,”  TAWA President Nic Phillips said. “More than 70 member journalists put in more 300 hours of driving time evaluating the vehicles presented. The results in several categories are separated by the narrowest of margins, just tenths, and hundredths of a point, confirming just how competitive the trucks and utility vehicles are today,” Phillips said. “Ford’s 2018 F-150 Pickup, boosted by its extreme performance 2018 Raptor model along with updated EcoBoost engines and 10-speed transmissions, convinced our journalists to bestow the trophy,” he said. “Nissan was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins, Mazda swept non-luxury CUVs, and Alfa Romeo’s all-new Stelvio Ti Sport took CUV of Texas.”

The 24th TAWA Truck of Texas trophy is placed upon this year's winner, the new 2018 Ford F-150

Photo by Kevin McCauley / capturingthemachine.com

The 2018 award categories and winning vehicles were:

• Truck of Texas: 2018 Ford F150
• SUV of Texas: 2018 Volvo XC60
• CUV of Texas: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport

• Heavy duty pickup truck: 2018 Ram 2500 Limited Tungsten
• Best commercial vehicle: 2018 Nissan Titan King Cab SV
• Luxury pickup truck: 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Southfork
• Off-road pickup: 2017 Ford F150 Raptor
• Full-size pickup: 2018 Nissan Titan Midnight Edition
• Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
• Best technology: Nissan Pro Pilot
• Best connectivity: Volvo XC60
• Best powertrain: Volvo XC60
• Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon
• Sub-Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk
• Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
• Mid-size Luxury SUV: 2018 Volvo XC60
• Compact Luxury SUV: 2018 Infiniti QX30 Premium AWD
• Full-size SUV: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
• Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
• Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
• Full-size CUV: 2018 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring AWD
• Mid-size CUV: 2017 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring GT
• Compact CUV: 2018 Mazda CX3 Grand Touring FWD
• Luxury CUV: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport

*Additional event images can be found here. All images are for editorial use only and should be credited to Kevin McCauley. For commercial use, please contact Kevin McCauley / capturingthemachine.com.

The Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. was founded in 1985 by automotive journalists who wanted to provide an avenue for professional growth, development, and networking. These professionals sought to create an automotive event that was unique to Texas, and the result was the TAWA Truck Rodeo. Since 1992, Truck Rodeos have been held in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury and Spring Branch, and now Dripping Springs.

In 2003, TAWA created an event for sedans, sports cars, and other vehicles not eligible for the Truck Rodeo. The Texas Auto Roundup, as the event is called today, has been held annually at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.texasautowriters.org.

CONTACT: Fabian Campos

[email protected]

214.674.8987

 

Texas Auto Writers Association Recognizes 2017 Excellence in Craft Competition Winners

Dallas, TX - September 28, 2017

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered for the annual Excellence in Craft Competition. More than 100 entries were received across six different categories. This year’s competition included two new features - the inaugural Texas Truck Invitational, sponsored by Katzkin Automotive Leather, and a new PR Press Kits category for manufacturers.

In the same spirit as TAWA’s signature Texas Truck Rodeo event, the new Texas Truck Invitational writing competition punctuates the importance of the state’s nationally prominent truck market. It gives TAWA members an opportunity to gauge the caliber of their work in comparison to non-member truck writers across North America. TAWA Texas Truck Invitational entrants compete in Magazine and Newspaper writing categories. An overall winner is chosen from the two categories based on the highest score. 

The new PR Press Kit category had strong Manufacturer member participation with the submissions of informative, easy-to-navigate press kits. Entries also were creative, grabbing attention with bold and vivid graphics, engaging videos and photos suited for high-quality production.

This year, EICC was judged on a point system, so it could be seen in detail how an entry was scored. There were high-scoring entries that didn’t place, but came close in crowded, highly competitive categories. This situation led to a couple of tied scores and the decision to give Special Recognition awards.

TAWA thanks Katzkin Automotive Leather for its support of the Texas Truck Invitational writing category, providing a $2,000 Katzkin leather interior as the grand prize. This significantly contributed to the success of the Excellence in Craft Competition’s new endeavor.

 

The 2017 Excellence in Craft Competition marks the first year of an all-digital entry and judging process. This new approach worked remarkably well and significantly increased the competition’s overall efficiency.

The Excellence in Craft Competition has grown considerably for 2017. Two new categories have been added and the number of awards presented more than doubles last year’s effort.

2017 EICC WINNERS

TEXAS TRUCK INVITATIONAL WINNERS

OVERALL WINNER

(Katzkin Automotive Leather recipient)

Sue Mead - Automobile Magazine

“The desert hills life: Rod Hall -- 24-time Baja 1000 winner” 

TTI MAGAZINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Sue Mead - Automobile Magazine

“The desert hills life: Rod Hall -- 24-time Baja 1000 winner”

Judge’s comment: “Just floor it and head southeast. I can smell the dust on this one. Great job.”

SECOND PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Gregory R. Whale - Autoblog.com

“Power Wagon train: Exploring the Mojave Road”

Judge’s comment: “Greg puts me right in the Power Wagon on the Mojave Road and explains the truck's product features in plain English.”

THIRD PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Dave Boldt - Autoblog.com

“The super-sized Atlas isn't the three-row VW should build”

Judge’s comment: “You can't fault VW for giving buyers what they think they want, but David makes a convincing point that VW is losing its brand focus established over a half century and will be difficult to win back.”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Tim Esterdahl - Truck Trend Magazine

“Million-mile Tundra: The teardown”

TTI NEWSPAPER WRITING

FIRST PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Bill Owney - Texarkana Gazette

“Ford Raptor: New truck less bird of prey, more ball of energy”

Judge’s comment: “Informative. Engaging. Well done.”

SECOND PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Kelly Taylor - Winnipeg Free Press Autos

“Discovery most capable vehicle in Land Rover’s lineup”

Judge’s comment: “Good detail”

THIRD - NEWSPAPER  WRITING 

Derek Price - Green Shoot Media

“Pumped to the Duramax”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Marlon Hanson - Focus Daily News

“2017 Ford Raptor tackles Barnhill Mountain with ease”

 

EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT COMPETITION

TAWA MEMBERS-ONLY CATEGORIES (NOTE: There were 2 ties in the Magazine category *)

MAGAZINE WRITING

*FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Frank Ledwell - OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Above and beyond – Land Rover’s new Discovery”

Judge’s comment: “A bell-ringer! This is one of the best new product drive reviews I've read in quite a while.”

*FIRST PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Stan Wright - OutdoorX4 Magazine

Judge’s comment: “Clearly, this story is in a whole other league as to subject matter, making mere drive reviews somehow seem inconsequential. BTW, photos are outstanding, too.”

SECOND PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Sue Mead - Truck Trend Magazine

“2017 Land Rover Discovery -- rugged elegance”

THIRD PLACE - MAGAZINE WRITING

Gregory R. Whale - Turbo Diesel Register

“Corporate Average Fuel Economy and you”

*SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Mark McNabb - TopSpeed.com

“2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – Driven”

*SPECIAL RECOGNITION - MAGAZINE WRITING

Jeff Yip - AutoWeek

“What is right? So many tire options available”

NEWSPAPER WRITING

FIRST PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Sue Mead - Cool Hunting.com

“Bollinger Motors’ B1 Electric Sport Utility Truck”

Judge’s comment: “Nice depth on a unique vehicle”

SECOND PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

David Boldt - Katy Trail Weekly

“Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio: In love with the shape of you”

THIRD PLACE - NEWSPAPER WRITING

 Derek Price - Green Shoot Media

“FIAT 500 woos buyers with styling, price drop”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - NEWSPAPER WRITING

Bill Owney - Texarkana Gazette

“Cruising in comfort: Boring can be a great thing in Volvo’s S90”

RADIO

FIRST PLACE - RADIO

In Wheel Time

“James Espey, VP DeLorean Motor Company interview”

Judge’s comment: “DeLorean exec: Well-told, seldom-heard perspective.”

SECOND PLACE - RADIO

Harold Gunn & Wayne Cronin - The Automotive Reporter

“Ford Motor Co. historian, Bob Kreipke”

THIRD PLACE - RADIO

Michael Garfield - Representing The High-Tech Texan/iHeartVehicles

For his “High Tech Auto Report – Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION — RADIO

Meggan Bailey - Skidmarks Show

“Skidmarks Show -- Episode 30”

PR PRESS KITS

FIRST PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

FCA Communications

Dodge Challenger Demon press kit

Judge’s comment: “Vivid graphics and video, a great magazine-like design. The site is clean and easy to read while being appropriately bold for the subject matter. Even the manufacturer-rep interview was compelling. All in all, the best package I saw.

SECOND PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

Brad Nelson - Honda Public Relations

2018 Honda Odyssey press kit

THIRD PLACE - PR PRESS KITS

Dan Passe - Nissan

“Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept makes world debut at North American International Auto Show”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – PR PRESS KITS

Mazda Public Relations

“2017 Mazda CX-5 press kit”

WEB DESIGN

FIRST PLACE - WEB DESIGN

Greg Riley & Reagan Wyka - GearboxTV.com

“1957 Ford Skyliner”

Judge’s comment: “We ride shotgun along with Greg in a '57 Ford Skyliner. Classic, understated web design in a wider format showcases the vivid photography well.... you feel as if you're a fellow car buddy along on the test drive.”

SECOND PLACE - WEB DESIGN

OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Adventure riding and the venerable KLR”

THIRD PLACE - WEB DESIGN

Sherri Tilley - TheFlashList.com Travel & Entertainment Guide

“Riding like a rock star in the new 2017 Lincoln Continental

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – WEB DESIGN

Michael Garfield

iHeartVehicles.com – “Driven . . . with an opinion”

PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST PLACE - PHOTOGRAPHY

Kristin Barclay - In Deep H20

"The Ram life”

Judge’s comment about this Ram pickup shot: “I like the angle – it draws attention to the truck. It also helps with the lighting and reflections on the truck.”

SECOND PLACE -- PHOTOGRAPHY

Frank Ledwell - OutdoorX4 Magazine

“Colorado's front range”

THIRD PLACE -- PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Yip - AutoWeek

“Blue BMW”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – PHOTOGRAPHY

Marlon Hanson - Focus Daily News

“The new Camry”

All winner photos can be found HERE.

A special thanks goes out to James "Spoony" McClain with Major League Photography for photos of all of our winners.

JUDGE BIOS

Stan Hulen: Judge for Web Design and PR Press Kits:

Stan Hulen is an award-winning Dallas designer with more than 35 years of experience. Starting his career with a journalism degree from University of Missouri, he worked as Art Director for both the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald until he started his own design firm 25 years ago. Since then, he has served a variety of clients including the State Fair of Texas, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Texas Instruments, SMU, Southwest Airlines, and the cities of Frisco and Plano, Texas.   An avid automotive-design buff, Stan said he’s devoured every car magazine he could get his hands on for the past 50 years.

Christian Alan Waits - M.Photog. Cr ( Master Craftsman Degree): Photography judge

Christian has been a photographer for 45+ Years.

Degrees: Commercial Photography Degree from East Texas State University, with High Honors, Master of Photography, Professional Photographers of America 1992, Craftsman Photographer, Professional Photographers of America 1993, Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association 1993, Christian holds the degree of Master Craftsman Photographer in Professional Photographers of America. Awards, professional organizations:

He has been awarded the Kodak Gallery Award for Photographic Excellence, SWPA Best Commercial, SWPA Special Award Best Commercial Product, TPPA Best Overall Commercial, TPPA Best Product, Dallas PPA Best Commercial, Loan Collection Photograph and numerous first-place Distinguished Print Awards and Merits. Christian has lectured at many photography guilds and conventions throughout New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. He is Past President Dallas Professional Photographers Association and Charter Fellowship Dallas PPA. Christian is currently the Dallas Summer Musicals photographer.

Ron Sessions and Steven Cole Smith:

Newspaper and Magazine Writing/Texas Truck Invitational.

Ron also judged Photography and Steven was a Radio judge

Ron Sessions:

Ron’s career has spanned 40+ years. He’s been a staff editor at Road & Track, Motor Trend and Car and Driver, worked behind the scenes as a vehicle analyst at General Motors, created two auto enthusiast magazine titles (including the award-winning Open Road), and he’s written five automotive books. He created the award-winning magazineExotic Cars Quarterly and penned a coffee-table book on the Nissan 350Z. In addition to his work for BeCarChic.com, Ron is a contributing editor for Car and Driver, Caranddriver.com, Autotrader.com, AutoWeb.com, the New York Daily News and others.

Ron also was a photography judge. He has had thousands of his images published in magazines, books and online.

Steven Cole Smith:

Steven holds a bachelors degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was a TAWA founding member. He’s formerly the executive editor of Car and Driver and AMI Auto World magazines, and he wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate for seven years. He has worked for newspapers in Louisiana, Texas and Florida, and has had bylined stories in hundreds of publications ranging from The Times of London to Forbes magazine to the Financial Times. He has held NHRA Pro Comp, IMSA, NARRA and SCCA Pro racing licenses. Steven also was the Radio category judge -- he was the executive producer of Car and Driver Television, and hosted a nationally syndicated motorsports radio program, as well as two weekly local automotive radio shows in Florida.

About TAWA

Texas Auto Writers Association is a nonprofit organization that has promoted professionalism and quality reporting in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction; the Texas Truck Rodeo at the Long Horn River Ranch in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas College and university students majoring in journalism. The group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

AUSTIN, Texas, May 8, 2017

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered for the annual Texas Auto Roundup, presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), to drive and evaluate 42 vehicles within 11 categories at the Circuit of the Americas May 5-8. Fifty-two journalists evaluated vehicles on the Formula 1 racetrack and chose the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as the Car of Texas.

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Car of Texas - 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

In addition, the group named the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S as the Performance Car of Texas and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum as the Family Car of Texas.

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Performance Car of Texas - 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Family Car of Texas - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

Journalists came from across the country and from around the world, including the Netherlands, to evaluate vehicles at the Roundup. The beautiful weather over the Circuit of the Americas allowed them to drive through a variety of exercises, including tight turns, a 0-60 mph test, and a slalom course.

TAWA president Nic Phillips said, “This is a pivotal year for the Texas Auto Writers Association, moving our on-road focused event to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, home of the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix and immediately following the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship: Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown. The vision of the event was to create an opportunity for our members to learn about the latest advances in technologies derived through racing and then experience their application in the latest street cars.” 

Phillips added, “The manufacturers provided us with an incredible stable of the latest family, luxury, and performance vehicles to evaluate, and our journalists racked up more than 1,100 individual drives for more than 130 cumulative hours behind the wheel.”  

Winning the Compact Car category was the 2017 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring, with the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback coming in as the runner-up.

The Minivan category was won by the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum, with the 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD runner-up. Activity Vehicle was the 2017 Jeep Compass Latitude/Trailhawk, with the 2017 Mazda CX-5 runner-up. 

In the Full-Size Luxury Car category, the 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription was the winner with the 2017 Chrysler 300 runner-up. 

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum came in first in the Green Vehicle category. The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was the runner-up.

Performance Compact winner was the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, with the 2017 Toyota 86 860 Special Edition runner-up.  The top Performance Coupe was the 2018 Lexus LC 500h with the 2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 runner-up. Performance Sedan winner was the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, with the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat runner-up.

Winning in Performance Utility was the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The 2017 Infiniti QX30 Premium AWD was runner-up. 

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S won the Supercar category, with the 2017 Nissan GTR Premium as runner-up.

In the Best Feature competition, the hybrid powertrain of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was the winner. The Toyota Safety Sense system was runner-up.

The award for the Best New Interior went to the 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription.

Circuit of the Americas - Austin, TX: site of the 2017 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup - Photo courtesy of Marshall Tidrick Photo

TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news-related print, online and broadcast media. TAWA produces two driving events each year—the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies. For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

For Multimedia: click here 

Media contact: Fabian Campos, 214.674.8987, [email protected] 

SOURCE Texas Auto Writers Association

TAWA Director at Large, Derek Shiekhi presents two (2) Harold Gunn Scholarship for Journalism checks of $1,000 each to Megan Rodriguez from Texas A&M University and Marangeli Lopez-Santiago from University of Texas at Arlington.

Texas Auto Writers Association Partners with the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association to Help College Students

To help make a difference in the lives of tomorrow's journalists, the Texas Auto Writers Association recently awarded $2,000 in scholarships at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association's 2017 convention in Dallas.

The Texas Auto Writers Association started in 1987 as an organization in which automotive journalists could network with each other and automobile manufacturers. Through those connections and various driving events, TAWA members have been able to share news about vehicles and developments within the automotive industry with their readers. Under the leadership of Texas Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster and prolific automotive journalist Harold Gunn, TAWA established a scholarship fund (now known as the Harold Gunn Scholarship for Journalism) that could benefit college journalists. Over the years, automobile manufacturers and TAWA members have contributed to the scholarship fund which has helped ease the financial burden of higher education for students in Texas.

This year, to broaden its reach to students in all parts of the state, TAWA has partnered with the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, one of the largest collegiate groups in the country. According to Fred Stewart, executive director of TIPA and a professor of journalism at Texas A&M University - Commerce, TIPA has more than 70 member schools.

TAWA board member Derek Shiekhi attended the 2017 TIPA awards breakfast and scholarship presentation at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown on Saturday, April 1 to award a $1,000 scholarship to a pair of journalism students. In front of more than 500 faculty members, advisors, and students from 45 Texas colleges, universities, and community colleges, Megan Rodriguez from Texas A&M University - College Station and Marangeli Lopez-Santiago from University of Texas at Arlington accepted their scholarships.

To learn more about the Texas Auto Writers Association and find out how to join the organization, visit TexasAutoWriters.org.

The 2017 TIPA awards breakfast and scholarship presentation at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown.