VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Daily Times has received national recognition for special sections and advertisements published in the past year by the newspaper.

In two newspaper contests, one sponsored by the Inland Press Association and the other by Suburban Newspapers of America, the Times received a total of eight awards.

The contest sponsored by the Inland Press Association was specifically for special sections. In that competition, the Times was awarded a second place honor for “People You Know,” an indepth biographical look at 25 people from the community in the Business/Industry category.

The newspaper also received a third place award for “Milltown Murals Motorcade,” published in conjunction with Lakeland’s annual historical recognition event in the Arts/Entertainment category, and a third- place award in the Fashion category for “Spring Bridal Showcase.”

“We are very pleased with this recognition as this was a national competition. This demonstrates to our readers and advertisers alike that the Times is committed to providing interesting, quality publications for our community to enjoy,” said General Manager J.H. “Sandy” Sanders.

Newspapers in the competition were divided into groups based on circulation, and the Times competed in the under 25,000 category against newspapers across the United States and Canada.

The Times received five awards in the contest sponsored by Suburban Newspapers of America.

In the Best Single Classified Ad category, the Times received a first-place award for a Coldwell Banker ad and received a third place recognition for having the Best Homes Publication for “Homefront.”

In the Best New Special Advertising Section, the newspaper received a third-place award for “Open Season,” a guide for outdoor sportsmen.

In the Best ROP Advertising Section, the Times placed second for the “Money Saver,” and second for an ad for the YMCA Winter Membership Drive in the Best Single Black and White ad category.

“I’d like to commend our advertising and editorial staffs for their hard work in receiving these awards. We have a terrific group of employees dedicated to ensuring that our readers and advertisers are pleased with our newspaper, and it’s wonderful to see them receive recognition on a national level for all of their efforts,” Sanders said.