Elkhart County CVB, Elkhart Redevelopment Commission Win Statewide Recognition

For the second year in a row, the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau won an Indiana Tourism Award recognizing its work in promoting downtown Elkhart.

On Tuesday, March 4, Jon Hunsberger, executive director, accepted the Best Cooperative Partnership Award during an awards dinner and ceremony at the Pearl Event Center in Fort Wayne as part of the annual Indiana Tourism Conference.

“We value highly the partnerships that we are privileged to be part of, and we are especially proud of the work our team has done in the ongoing Downtown Elkhart promotion campaign. We’re thankful for the trust that the Elkhart Redevelopment Commission and Elkhart city staff has placed in us,” Hunsberger said. “We love downtown Elkhart and how much it has grown and continues to evolve. Spreading the word and attracting more residents, visitors and investment is a fantastic outcome that we all benefit from.”

Downtown Elkhart promotion is an awareness campaign highlighting the arts and cultural attractions, business opportunities, and recreation amenities in the city’s central core. The Do Downtown Elkhart website, social media content delivered via Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube, and Elkhart County CVB staff and vendor engagement are the primary elements of the campaign.

The Elkhart County CVB also won the Best Cooperative Partnership Award in the 2024 Indiana Tourism Awards for downtown Elkhart promotion. The award is the eighth captured by the Elkhart County CVB in nine years across multiple categories.

“We couldn’t be happier for this recognition by the Indiana Tourism Association,” said Sandi Schreiber, president of the Elkhart Redevelopment Commission. “Promoting downtown Elkhart and elevating the entrepreneurs who choose to invest in our city is a responsibility we take seriously. The work of the Elkhart County CVB on behalf of downtown merchants is vitally important for the future of Elkhart.”

The Elkhart County CVB and Elkhart Redevelopment Commission collaborate each year to fund and manage the Do Downtown Elkhart promotional activities.

Judges for the contest remarked, “Social platforms included great balance of offerings (shout outs to businesses was strong) and people enjoying themselves. Impressed with (the) level of graphics — one great meme after another. … This was strategic and well done. Your ROI was specific and addressed what really mattered.”

The Elkhart County CVB was also a finalist for four other awards:

• Best Culinary Focused Marketing Campaign for Elkhart County Restaurant Weeks,
• Best Overall Marketing Campaign for Elkhart Exit 92,
• Best Visitors Guide for the Elkhart County Area Guide,
• Best Website for VisitElkhartCounty.com.

About the Indiana Tourism Association

The Indiana Tourism Association is the trade association that advocates for tourism investment and promotion as economic development in the state. The association provides programs that emphasize high standards in tourism bureau operations, professional development and government and community relations. Through these programs, ITA enhances tourism industry development and the quality of life for both visitors and residents.

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.

Terry Mark
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Email: terry@eccvb.org
Phone: (800) 262.8161 (USA/Canada)
Fax: (574) 262.3925