Hansen inducted into AFCP’s Rising Stars program

Amy Hansen, news editor of Osceola Sentinel-Tribune, recently got to experience a “magical” event — an all-expense paid trip to a conference at Walt Disney World.

Hansen was inducted into the Association of Free Community Papers’ (AFCP) Rising Stars program during the AFCP’s annual conference April 2-5 at the Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World.

Hansen was one of four people selected for the 2014 class of Rising Stars. She was nominated for this honor by her publisher Rich Paulsen.

Rising Stars

According to the AFCP publication INK Magazine, the Rising Stars program is “designed to bring a new, fresh outlook to the free paper industry. ... With its creation in 2009, the main focus of the Rising Stars was to get those under 30 working in the free paper industry involved in the association. It has evolved into something more valuable over the last few years. Proven to be a resourceful networking tool, the Rising Stars show the potential and determination necessary to succeed in the print industry, all while bringing brand new ideas to the table.”

There was an awards presentation the first day of the conference and Hansen was called on stage to receive her induction certificate into the AFCP’s Rising Stars program.

Conference duties

Throughout the conference, Hansen interacted with other past and present Rising Stars, networked with people from all over the country who are in the print business, listened to keynote speakers and helped facilitate the conference’s leadership classes.

She was also able to attend editorial workshops geared specifically for people who write in the newspaper/print business.

On the second day of the conference, Hansen and her fellow Rising Stars took part in a case study about an embattled employee of Apple Computers in the 1980s. The case study was led by Dr. Andy Hoh, a professor of strategic management at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

While Hansen worked throughout the day, there were also many fun events planned during the evenings, including a beach party and tailgate, dinner, animal viewings and roller coaster rides at Sea World and free ticket to Walt Disney World.

INK Magazine

Now that Hansen has been inducted into the Rising Stars program, she will be involved in committees and conference calls throughout the year. Hansen was selected to help with the INK Magazine committee. The magazine is issued monthly.

“I am honored to be selected into the Rising Stars,” Hansen said. “This conference inspires me with my profession and I enjoy meeting new people. I look forward to working with the AFCP for the next year.”