We’re excited to share that BLKDOG has been honored with a prestigious accolade at the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) Annual Meeting & Tourism Excellence Awards for our collaborative work with Washington County Tourism on the “How It’s Made” destination marketing campaign.

This recognition reinforces our commitment to creative, strategic, place-based marketing. It also shows what happens when storytelling, design, and collaboration elevate a community’s character.

The Award & What It Means

At the 2025 NYSTIA Awards, Washington County Tourism’s “How It’s Made” series (created in partnership with BLKDOG) earned the Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Innovations & Strategies to Address New/Unique/Changing Markets award (for organizations whose annual tourism operating budget is under $500,000).

We couldn’t be prouder to share this moment with the team, the many local partners, and all the small businesses whose stories form the heartbeat of Washington County. This includes the Washington County Planning Department, especially our partners Laura Oswald (Director of Economic Development) and Amy Hoffer (Tourism & Economic Development Specialist).

Now with a third award-winning project under our belts, this partnership has earned respect and recognition throughout the Washington County community as both an advocate for local businesses and a source of information and community organization.

How the “How It’s Made” Tourism Marketing Campaign Was Created

Over the past year, we launched the “How It’s Made” series. The campaign features videos, articles, and social media stories about the people behind Washington County’s signature products.

These behind-the-scenes videos invited viewers into the fields, kitchens, and workshops of small business owners.

Weather and crop harvests required our production team to stay flexible. We worked closely with farmers and producers to capture key moments like grape harvesting, syrup boiling, and goat milking.

This honor underscores the strength of our shared vision: to spotlight Washington County not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing place where craft, history, and agriculture combine to tell a compelling story.

From the Post-Star: “Glens Falls marketers BLKDOG win award”

Below is an excerpt from the Post-Star article titled “Glens Falls marketers BLKDOG win award”.

This year, BLKDOG was the only award recipient from the hosting county. The marketing company, in partnership with the Washington County Planning Department, took home the “Innovations & Strategies for Addressing New/Unique/Changing Markets Award” for its work promoting tourism to Washington County.

“This multimedia approach brings fresh energy to the county’s tourism outreach and fosters deeper visitor engagement,” Hoffer said. “[The Washington County Tourism] project exemplifies innovation in tourism marketing by directly responding to shifting traveler interests – specifically, the rise of agritourism, curiosity about local food systems, and a desire for authentic, personal experiences.”

Why This Matters, And What Comes Next

This award-winning campaign demonstrates how strategic tourism marketing and authentic storytelling can strengthen a destination brand.

• Amplifying Place Through Innovation

First, this award highlights how strategic tourism marketing can elevate a destination. For Washington County Tourism, the campaign shows how authentic storytelling and strong partnerships attract visitors.

• Creating Momentum for Local Businesses

Next, greater visibility creates real opportunity for local businesses. As visitors discover farms, makers, restaurants, and cultural venues, they spend more time and money in the region.

• Raising the Bar Together

Finally, this recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward. BLKDOG will continue developing creative marketing campaigns, stronger digital storytelling, and new ways to promote Washington County tourism.

To Washington County Tourism: your trust and vision made this possible. To our staff, partners, small businesses, and every contributor to this project, this award belongs to you.