Here are some tips, as provided by the Laurel Awards Committee:
• Follow all instructions exactly. If in doubt as to how to prepare an entry, call Portland Stuart at the Northeast Florida Builders Assocation at 725-4355.
• Type or print all forms and fill out all information completely. This information will be used in future press releases, at the show, in the program and on the award itself.
• Keep the marketing statement as concise and succinct as possible. The best and most effective statements are as short as possible, while telling your story. Tell what the problem was overcome, what was done differently from the competition, how the marketing saved money for the builder and if the community sold out sooner than anticipated or faster than the completion date.
• Be cognizant of spelling, grammar and neatness. Make all components of entry as neat and professional as possible. Judges do notice!
• Exhibits compete best when mounted on study display or matte board. Avoid flimsy poster board.
• Special promotions show well when actual promotional items are entered. Judges like to see and touch the entries. Photos of special events can be mounted on display board along with promotional items.
• Color ads compete better when on slicks rather than tear sheets.
• Label all components clearly with project name and category.
• Quality of photographs is of the utmost importance.
• Send all materials for an entry together. Missing pieces of the entry sent at the last minute may get misdirected.