Joel McNeece, publisher of Calhoun County Journal in Bruce, Mississippi, was honored during the National Newspaper Association's 123rd Annual Convention and Trade Show, when he was presented with the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award.
NNA established this award in 2007 to honor Daniel Morris Dan Phillips, an award-winning writer, photographer and assistant publisher of the Oxford (MS) Eagle, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 47. This award is presented to an individual who is well respected in his or her community, of good reputation and integrity, provides active leadership in the newspaper industry and is active in his or her state press association and community and whose newspaper is a member of NNA.
The award was presented at the business luncheon, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, which was held during NNA's Annual Convention and Trade Show in Mobile, Alabama.
McNeece is the second recipient of the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award.
"This is a very humbling, overwhelming honor," McNeece said. "Dan Phillips was not only a great newspaper mentor, but a dear friend. Dan set a great example all journalists should strive to match. I can't thank the National Newspaper Association enough for recognizing our family, our newspaper and our community with this incredible honor."

"We are truly a family newspaper, something we take great pride in," McNeece said. "My fellow staffers at The Journal – my wife Lisa, sister-in-law Celia Hillhouse, mother-in-law Jo Ann Denley, and especially my late father-in-law Gale Denley all share in this award. This honor is only possible due to their support."

In a nomination letter for McNeece, Layne Bruce, executive director of the Mississippi Press Association said, over the past 13 years, Joel has capably served two community newspapers and has become a true civic leader and volunteer in his adopted home of Bruce, where he and his wife, Lisa Denley McNeece, manage the family's weekly publication.

"They are both admired and respected members of our association family," Bruce said.
Sidney L. (Sid) Salter, perspective editor and columnist for The Clarion-Ledger, also shared his appreciation of McNeece's efforts.

"Joel is a significant leader in his community without sacrificing his commitment to quality journalism," Salter said. "While he never fails to put his shoulder to the wheel of progress in Calhoun County, Joel never shirks his duty to report the facts and let the editorial chips fall where they may. In that, he reflects an old school commitment to comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable."
Bruce Longest, M.D., in Bruce, Mississippi said, Joel's outstanding leadership skills have truly made Bruce, Mississippi a better place to live.

"His work at The Calhoun County Journal has lead it to become one of the premiere local newspapers in the state of Mississippi," Longest said.
Judges applauded McNeece's efforts and said rather than remaining low key in a new community, McNeece seized the opportunity and made it a better place. At the same time, he became active in MPA, contributing to his profession. He shows potential of being a future leader of MPA.

Judges commented that McNeece is "on his way to improving the lives of people he meets, the community where he lives, the family he loves, and the nation's newspapers, and is someone who uses his position at the newspaper to further the community's future."

Judges added, "With leaders like Joel McNeece rising among our ranks, we need not fear for the future of the community newspaper industry.
McNeece will also be recognized in the November issue of Publishers' Auxiliary.

Pictured from left are Celia Hillhouse, Lisa McNeece, Joel McNeece, Jo Ann Denley, and Tim Phillips (brother of the late Dan Phillips for whom the award is named).