Two Louisiana-based magazines, Louisiana Life and Acadiana Profile, made journalistic history in 2019 when they tied for first place in a nationwide magazine competition. The publications were each awarded “Magazine of the Year” designation by the International and Regional Magazine Association (IRMA). This was the first time that the 59-year-old Association has ever had a tie for its most prestigious award. Adding to the surprise is that both magazines are published by the same company, Renaissance Publishing. In addition to the top prize, the two magazines won a combined total of 20 other Gold, Silver, Bronze or Certificate of Merit awards. Lafayette’s hometown magazine, Acadiana Profile, received three gold, two silver, and three bronze awards.

IRMA consists of regional and statewide magazines located throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Bermuda. The “Magazine of the Year” award was in the category of publications with a circulation of 35,000 or less. (Most magazines fall into that category.) According to IRMA officials, determination of the “Magazine of the Year” winner is made from tabulating an elaborate set of points awarded by judges. It has never happened that two magazines shared the exact number of points. Presentations were given at IRMA’s annual conference held this year in Charlotte, North Carolina. Everyone at Renaissance Publishing is very excited to share this terrific news and we honored to be recognized with accomplishments. We want to thank everyone involved in making them possible. For information on these awards please contact Errol Laborde, 504-830-7235, errol@myneworleans.com.