Gannett newspaper employees honored

The winners have been announced for the First Quarter Essence Awards for Gannett Central New York Media, which includes the Press & Sun-Bulletin in Binghamton, the Elmira Star-Gazette and the Ithaca Journal.

Winners were honored with a monetary award during a staff ceremony Tuesday. Each was nominated by their peers for the distinction.

"The Essence Awards are emblematic of the traits that make us great," said Thomas Claybaugh, president and publisher of Gannett CNY Media. "It's important to me that we recognize the people who excel in different aspects of their job."

Here are the award-winners:

• Inspire: Nicole Devine, Operations Support Supervisor. According to her nomination form, Devine has continually worked to find solutions to system issues. "Nicole takes the initiative to find solutions," the form reads.

• Innovate: Simon Wheeler, Photographer/Reporter. According to his nomination form, Wheeler is best known for his photography but, over the last few years, has added reporting and writing skills. "When news breaks, he is usually the first one on the scene to start the reporting — often with a Tweet and a photo emailed from his cell phone," the form reads.

• Leadership: Vince Moore, Press Operator. According to his nomination form, Moore is ahead of the curve when it comes to prepress knowledge of new technology, processes and machinery. "He is the very definition of reliable and dependable," the form reads.

• Unsung Hero: Patrick Guinane, Advertising Services Supervisor. According to his nomination form, Guinane has thorough knowledge of the company's procedures, programs and general workings. "He is the go-to person for everyone in the advertising department and people from many others," the nomination form reads.

Follow Jon Harris on Twitter @PSBJonHarris.