ELKHART — The Elkhart County CVB won two statewide awards, setting the stage for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Elkhart County to emerge even stronger in 2022.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Indiana Tourism Awards presented two awards to the Elkhart County CVB, for Best Visitors Guide (Marketing Budgets over $300,000) and Best COVID Marketing Campaign. These are the third and fourth statewide awards the Elkhart County CVB has received in the last four years.

“We’re proud to earn this recognition, because the awards represent excellent work by the Elkhart County CVB staff collaborating with our partners and stakeholders throughout the South Bend Elkhart Region,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB. “More importantly, this shows how much creative, unique and high-quality experiences and products there are for visitors and residents to enjoy in Elkhart County.”

The Best Visitors Guide Award recognized the 70-page area guide, published as People & Places along the Heritage Trail, and Amish Country along the Heritage Trail. The area guide highlights the shops, restaurants, attractions, lodging businesses, arts and cultural venues, and parks and trails that make Elkhart County such a desired destination for leisure and group visitors. More than 170,000 copies of the area guide are distributed throughout the Midwest at businesses and visitor centers and by mail when prospective visitors request copies.

VIEW the digital version of the 2022 Elkhart County Area Guide

“There’s no better way to promote Elkhart County to people looking for fun, family-friendly experiences than by being a partner in the area guide. It’s exciting that the Elkhart County CVB has earned this honor. It’s very well deserved,” said Joel[JL2]  Miller of Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, one of the Elkhart County CVB’s longstanding partners.

Judges in the Best Visitor Guide category commented, “The imagery of this piece sets Elkhart County apart! I love the customization for the cover photo for different target markets.”

The Best COVID Marketing Campaign recognized a multi-platform campaign spreading a positive uplifting message to residents while supporting businesses with focused efforts to provide information and assist business owners. The highlights included a video series featuring local artists performing the song, “Tomorrow,” as well as informative messages spotlighting take-out restaurant service and outdoor activities that were considered safe during the pandemic.

Judges’ comments included, “These videos gave me so much joy to watch. I had a smile from ear to ear while enjoying them. In a time of uncertainty, the campaign showed unity and inclusion and sparked inspiration for better days to come.”

Earlier Indiana Tourism Awards presented to the Elkhart County CVB included Best Festival or Event in 2018 for the Quilt Gardens and Best Cooperative Partnership in 2019 for the Exit 92 campaign in Elkhart.

The Indiana Tourism Awards were presented by the Indiana Tourism Association at its annual conference in Noblesville.

About the Indiana Tourism Association

The Indiana Tourism Association’s mission is advocating the value of tourism in Indiana and supporting the best practices of its members. Established in 1980, the association partners with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Association of Indiana Restaurant and Lodging and other statewide associations to support tourism investment and promotion as an economic contributor to the state.

About the Elkhart County CVB

The Elkhart County CVB is the official tourism advertising/marketing and public/community relations organization for the Elkhart County hospitality industry. The ECCVB advances quality-of-place initiatives in our downtowns and rural spaces, parks and natural environment, arts and culture, and events, festivals, groups and activities that help forge social connections.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Terry Mark, director of communications & public relations

Elkhart County CVB

574-262-8161

terry@eccvb.org