The Los Angeles Business Journal won a gold award for best headlines and two bronzes, including one in the important category of best newspaper, at the annual Editorial Excellence Awards sponsored by the Alliance of Area Business Publications.

The gold award was for headlines by Todd Cunningham, the assistant managing editor of the Business Journal. The judges lauded such headlines as “Ladies’ Vroom: Sales to women surge at Glendale Harley dealership” and “Arched Rivals: Dueling eyebrow divas cash in on tiff with pluck and style.”

“Each headline was a delightful invitation to read on and read out loud,” the judges said. “Taken together, these headlines reflect the style and tone of the magazine as well as the stories. They say, ‘This is L.A., and this is the Business Journal.’ ”

As for the bronze or third place award for best newspaper, the judges said the business journal is “a sophisticated, well-written, interesting and visually polished publication. Headlines are smart and sassy, and the publication overall reflects the culture of the town. It’s packed full of information for business owners large and small and boasts one of the best op-ed sections we’ve seen.”

The gold award in the best newspaper category went to the Indianapolis Business Journal and the silver went to Crain’s Detroit Business.

The other bronze was for best personality profile. It was awarded for a profile by Rachel Brown about Richard Riordan headlined “Riordan Rises to the Tallest of Challenges.” The judges said “The story gives the reader a glimpse into the world of a power broker.”

The awards competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by regional business publications. The awards were announced June 23 in Denver.

The alliance, based in Los Angeles, is a non-profit that represents 74 independent magazines and newspapers in the United States, Canada and Australia.