Our team is thrilled to share that our work with Washington County Tourism has been awarded the Marketing Best in Class Award at the 2024 NYSEDC Annual Meeting. 

Recipient Laura Oswald (Director of Economic Development for Washington County) and the rest of the dedicated tourism & economic development team are incredibly deserving of this distinction. And of course, we couldn’t be prouder to add another award-winning project to our roster!

Since 2018, BLKDOG has worked with Washington County Tourism to increase visitation and as a result, drive economic growth in the county. Showcasing the vast commitment to agriculture, the historic and re-emerging family farms, and hands-on opportunities. 

In 2023, we refocused our efforts on increasing the capabilities of the tourism program’s already successful website we created in 2019. Through a re-design and the addition of trip planning software, the tourism team is poised for another 5+ years of sharing Washington County’s amazing bounty with locals and a growing number of visitors.

One challenge we were thrilled to overcome was how to disseminate such a variety and volume of information to visitors of the website.

Washington County’s 20+ towns, villages, and hamlets span 830 square miles of rolling hills, lush farmland, winding rivers, and historic locales. From u-pick potatoes and apples to maple sugar, culinary mushrooms, and heirloom grain for baking, nearly anything that can be grown in New York is grown in Washington County.

Some of the state’s most popular summer camps are held there, too, and so are numerous festivals and fairs — from a self-guided cheese and more driving tour to New York’s #1 agricultural county fair.

Throughout our relationship, including during the 2023 award year, BLKDOG successfully targeted local, regional, national, and international audiences looking to experience the vibrant and varied natural environment that offers a wealth of unique and diverse businesses, attractions, and outdoor activities.

One celebration our work received from the NYSEDC Awards Committee was our ability to share so much information and tell so many stories, without the reader feeling lost, confused, or overwhelmed while exploring. 

During the presentation of the award, Deputy Director of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), Shelby Schneider, underscored the exceptional nature of the campaign, which strategically utilized tourism to drive economic growth. 

She noted, “We received numerous strong nominations, but what truly set this campaign apart was its approach to using tourism as a driver for economic development. Furthermore, the campaign vividly captures the essence of Washington County, providing valuable insights into the community through its engaging website.”

Our award-winning Experience Trails (2024 NYS Tourism Industry Association, Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries) were created to appeal to visitors with select interests, including antiques, fiber, and kid-friendly activities. 

A robust content library of blogs and itineraries anchors the trails and business directory, offering insights and background information to those who haven’t yet visited this area.

Last but not least, our growing video library sparks interest through social media and paid streaming tv placements utilizing Youtube and Disney platforms.