The Society of Professional Journalists named the Greater Buffalo International Professional chapter Region One Small Chapter of the Year. The award was presented at the Society's national convention, Sept. 19-21, in Washington, D.C.

The chapter was honored for its diverse programming, interaction with student journalists and dedication to the mission of the Society.

In the 1995-96 year, the chapter held 12 meetings, addressing coverage of elections and campaigns; the relationship between the press and public relations professionals; urban versus suburban press coverage; the effects of casino gambling; the local environment; and online news through a lecture by former CBS News Executive Howard Stringer.

Chapter members are now completing work on a video about journalism ethics. The video project put together area professional and journalism students from local colleges. In addition, the chapter supports a scholarship fund for journalism students and has added student SPJ members in the area to its mailing list.

SPJ's Region One includes New York, Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and all of New England.