Guide to the County wins national marketing award

A Guide to the County illustrated by a local artist has won a national marketing award from the Economic Development Association of Canada.

The publication, Your Guide to The County, encourages visitors to explore off-the-beaten-path areas to help alleviate congestion during peak season while recognizing The County’s many charms outside the summer months. The bilingual, 28-page publication is fully illustrated by local artist Kelly Panacci.

The guide was selected as one of three winners from 33 entries across Canada. The award category is for ‘single publications of four pages or more for attraction of business investment, tourism, or to promote use of services.’

The Marketing Canada Awards competition is an opportunity to exchange and review promotional and marketing material produced by municipalities across the country. The Economic Development Association of Canada recognizes that marketing a community is an integral part of the economic development profession.

“The Community Development Department went out on a limb when they envisioned a completely illustrated guide,” said Panacci. “We’re so glad they did and so grateful that they chose our company to execute the vision. We’re thrilled to know it’s been so well received.”

The guide provides hot tips, bucket list experiences, a detailed map, information about events and festivals, and an overview of The County’s nine sub-regions: Ameliasburgh, Sophiasburgh, Waupoos, South Shore, Sandbanks, Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and Hillier. 25,000 copies of the publication were printed and distributed throughout Prince Edward County.

“StayPEC is proud to support the marketing initiatives of the municipality and its Community and Economic Development Commission. They are very proactive with their efforts and ahead of trends in the marketplace. This award is a very welcomed acknowledgment of that work,” says Jason Sharpe, Chair of STAYPEC, the Prince Edward County Accommodations Association.