Winning Entry, "Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education," Announced at OUTLOOK 17 Conference

Chicago, IL-Sappi North America's publication, "Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education, " was selected as the 2017 winner of the annual Positively Print award. Pursuing the organization's mission to educate its stakeholders, Sappi launched the Verticals series to examine individual vertical markets and the unique challenges, traditions, and idiosyncrasies each faces when communicating with its target audience. This first installment of the Verticals series aims to bring colleges and universities across the United States a set of best practices for attracting new students through in-depth research and case studies.

"Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education" brings industry statistics to life, busts myths on marketing to this demographic, and includes a five-page pullout full of special effects and cross-channel marketing tips. With competition stronger than ever, the publication creatively demonstrates how print, a sustainable choice, effectively cuts through digital clutter, helping colleges and universities create a lasting impression to stand out with students and their families.

Sappi has enjoyed extremely positive feedback on the piece to date, having received hundreds of requests for printed copies of the guide through its website. A direct mail campaign launching the piece was sent to 2,000 universities, which sparked demand for additional copies and requests for presentations.

"Sappi North America's engaging and informational publication portrays the impact of print through a real-world example and also integrates facts about its sustainable production," said NPES President Thayer Long. Long co-announced the award at the close of the OUTLOOK 17 conference, held immediately prior to the opening of PRINT 17 that runs September 10 – 14, 2017 at McCormick Place South, in Chicago, Illinois.

This is the eighth year for the Positively Print award, which recognizes an organization that promotes the power, sustainability, and effectiveness of print. "We want to showcase companies that effectively advocate for print," said award co-presenter Phil Riebel, President of Two Sides North America. "Sappi North America's "Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education" publication is an outstanding example of such advocacy."

Recent past Positively Print winners include: (2016) Rolland Enterprises, Inc. ? "The Paper Loop" magazine; (2015) Sappi North America ? "A Communicator's Guide to the Neuroscience of Touch;" (2014) IKEA ? "Bookbook" Campaign; (2013) Sappi Fine Paper North America ? "PRINT &" Book; (2012) PrintCity ? "PRINT! Seen! Lean and Green"; and, (2011) Domtar ? "Paper Because" Campaign.

For more information about the Positively Print program visit: www.positivelyprint.org.