Published: September 22, 2008 09:11 pm         

SWVCVB honored with ‘Stars of Industry’ award

The Southern West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau was honored last Wednesday at the “Stars of the Industry” award luncheon at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Chester.

At this luncheon Tourism saluted the brightest industry leaders and the best tourism and travel media features through the Stars of the Industry Awards program, according to event officials.

The SWVCVB was presented with The Best Overall Advertising Campaign 2008 award. This award was based upon the complete marketing campaign which included print advertising in magazines and newspapers, radio spots, television promotions, and Web site marketing. The judges were looking for the most imaginative and innovative advertising used to promote the tourism industry.

“Kay Bess and I were thrilled to accept this award on behalf of the entire staff and our professional partners,” said Doug Maddy, president and chief executive officer. “The SWVCVB also owes our gratitude to our Board of Directors for empowering our organization to accomplish great things.”

Stonewall Marketing Group out of Marietta, Ohio, is the advertising agency for the SWVCVB. Stonewall created a series of ads using this year’s slogan “Closer Than You Think” for the out-of-state market and “You Don’t Have To Leave To Escape” for those wanting to vacation closer to home this season.

Matterhorn Marketing, out of Hico, designed, developed and optimized the 2008 Web site. This online component added continuity to the campaign by implementing similar design elements and the “Closer Than You Think” tagline into visitwv.com.

“This award was given to the SWVCVB, but we know we could not have earned it without the great advice and creativity of these talented agencies,” said Kay Bess, marketing director.

Television commercials, radio spots, magazine and newspaper ads and articles rounded out the campaign.

The Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes tourism in a nine-county region.

“Our region is comprised of Raleigh, Mercer, Fayette, Summers, Wyoming, McDowell, Nicholas, Greenbrier and Monroe counties,” Maddy added.