By Steven Roll

ASBPE is looking for a few good judges for the 2010 AZBEE Awards of Excellence.

At this point in the “looking for judges” blog post I usually point out all the good things you’re likely to learn from the judging experience. For instance, you’ll develop a sense for which entries’ mission statements and essays work and don’t work.

But after rounding up judges for the 2009 print and digital competitions I’ve come up with an even more compelling reason: your colleagues in the business press need you to share your editorial and design acumen more than ever.

As you probably are aware, the publishing industry has been particularly hard hit by the current economic crisis. Many of our B2B colleagues have either been laid off or forced to work the same job for less pay.

No matter how rewarding, finding the time to volunteer is hard enough when the economy is firing on all cylinders. But it’s almost impossible when there are more pressing concerns such as finding employment.

If you’re one of those lucky people out there that is still working in a senior editorial or design position, please consider judging. Judging is also open to successful freelancers.

Besides the warm feelings and practical experience, you’ll receive $75 in “ASBPE bucks,” which may be applied toward membership dues, fees for chapter events or the national conference, or ASBPE books.

Of course, not everyone can be a judge. ASBPE is looking for people who have a proven track record of success in the B2B publishing industry. Find out if you have what it takes by e-mailing ASBPE’s judging coordinator Katy Tomasulo at ktomasulo @ hanleywood.com.