Fox Tales: LSC Receives Community
of Distinction Award for 2007-2008

By Susie Lynn Fox, 2007-2008 LSC President

The STC Lone Star Community (LSC) earned the Community of Distinction award for 2007-2008, according to Rachel Houghton, member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Community Achievement Award (CAA) Evaluation Committee.

The Community of Distinction award is the highest CAA award. STC named LSC as a Community of Distinction in the size category of 151 to 300 members.

STC recognized LSC on Leadership Day at the STC Conference on June 1 in Philadelphia. LSC was also recognized at the Honors Banquet on June 3. All LSC members attending Leadership Day and the Honors Banquet came forward and received the award together as a team.

The citation on the LSC Community of Distinction certificate reads: "For a wide range of activities that provide opportunities for education, leadership, and networking to current and future members."

“I’d like to thank all of the passionate, hard-working LSC officers, committee managers, volunteers and members for working as such a cohesive team and for making this a special year to remember and to celebrate!” said Susie Lynn Fox, LSC President for 2007-2008.

Each year, STC invites communities and special interest groups (SIGs) to submit applications to compete in the CAA competition. CAA recognizes communities and SIGs for their outstanding accomplishments toward reaching the goals of STC. CAA awards are presented only to communities that have distinguished themselves by exceeding ordinary expectations.

“I know how much hard work and passion it takes to be amongst the very best of the best, and you and your chapter members did it!,” said Linda L. Oestreich, STC President for 2007-2008. “Please give yourselves and your members my heartiest congratulations.” She continued, “Winning this award shows that your chapter is strong, vibrant, and innovative. And, basically, you understand what it takes to provide member value. Please extend my best wishes and appreciation to all who had a part in making Lone Star a stellar performer for this year. I congratulate all of you and wish you the very best.”

Cindy Currie, STC Second Vice President for 2007-2008, also sent her congratulations, “Communities like Lone Star represent the best of what STC has to offer in so many ways: leadership opportunities for those who want them; quality services for members; creative thinking in challenging economic times, all the hard work and commitment that goes into running a chapter, and the networking and camaraderie that a vibrant chapter brings to all who have the good fortune to experience it. Bravo, Lone Star!”

LSC previously received CAA recognition for the following program years: 1988-1989, 1995-1996, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and now 2007-2008. Also, five of the last six program years garnered CAA Community of Distinction awards.

Communities can complete the CAA application for a community of merit, community of excellence, or community of distinction award. CAA applications require information about the community, initiatives, fundamental activities, chapter of merit award activities, chapter of excellence award activities, chapter of distinction award activities, and supporting materials.

“This year as well as the last few years, Mel Haughton, Immediate Past President for 2007-2008, volunteered to spearhead the CAA application effort, working with the LSC council members to complete the form and to attach related supporting materials. Mel has done an excellent job for our community,” said Susie Lynn Fox. “Congratulations to all members of the Lone Star Community for a job well done!”