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!

This recognition affirms our commitment to creative, strategic, place-based marketing while also celebrating what can happen when a community’s character is elevated through storytelling, design, and collaboration.

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! Naturally, this list also includes the Washington County Planning Department, especially our partners Laura Oswald (Director of Economic Development) and Amy Hoffer (Tourism & Economic Development Specialist).

Now, with its 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 business as well as a source of information and community organization.

About The “How It’s Made” Project

Over the last year or so, we’ve unveiled our “How It’s Made” series of videos, articles and social posts showcasing the incredible stories and skills it takes to produce the signature Washington County goods visitors know and love.

These behind-the-scenes videos invited viewers into the fields, kitchens and workshops of small business owners, from craft beverage makers and maple producers to fiber artists and bakers.

Due to the unpredictability of weather and crop harvests, our video production team had to stay flexible. That meant we worked closely with farmers and producers to ensure we were there at the right moment to capture key shots 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, culture, agriculture, and hands-on experiences 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

• Amplifying Place through Innovation

This type of award isn’t just about prestige; it’s a signal that bold, thoughtful marketing (with strong community roots) resonates in the tourism field. For Washington County Tourism, it validates our shared approach: Be authentic. Be collaborative. Be bold.

• Inspiring Momentum for Local Businesses

More visibility means more opportunity: for the artisans, farms, eateries, and cultural venues across Washington County. When a campaign connects visitors with deeper local experiences, the ripple effects are real: more overnight stays, more spending in small businesses, and more loyalty from repeat visitors.

• Raising the Bar, Together

At BLKDOG, we see this as not just a win for us, but a platform to push further. We’re already looking ahead — to new creative directions, richer storytelling, and even smarter digital tools to make the county’s assets shine through.

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.