1/6/2012
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is seeking entries for the 2012 Agritourism Media Awards. The purpose of the annual awards is to celebrate and recognize excellence in advertising and promotion of West Virginia Agritourism destinations and attractions. There is no entry fee. Deadline for submissions is February 15.
The winners will be honored at the WVDA Agritourism Workshop February 29 at The Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown, prior to the West Virginia Small Farms Conference, which is set for March 1-3.
“Agritourism has become an important niche in the tourism industry. West Virginia farms and rural communities are experiencing an increased interest in the products they produce and the lifestyle they showcase,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.
WVDA Marketing and Development Director Jean Smith said that all segments of the farm community should recognize the revenue potential of agritourism and investigate whether an attraction would mesh with their business models.
The awards recognize excellence in marketing from those currently in the industry and serve as valuable models for other promotional efforts,” Smith said.
Categories include brochures, rack cards, photos and websites. Ribbons will be presented during the workshop luncheon. Agriculture Commissioner Douglass and Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver have been invited to recognize the winners.
Entry materials must be mailed to WVDA Marketing & Development Division, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305 and be postmarked no later than February 15. Entries will be displayed for the duration of the Small Farms Conference and submissions and ribbons will be mailed back afterward.
Questions should be directed to WVDA Marketing Specialist Melissa Hudson-Beller at 304-558-2210, or mhudson@wvda.us. Entry forms and details can be downloaded at the WVDA website at
www.wvagriculture.org/images/marketing/AgritourismMediaAwardsForm-Info.pdf.
For more information about the Small Farm Conference, visit
http://smallfarmcenter.ext.wvu.edu/conference.
Contact Information
WVDA Marketing Specialist Melissa Hudson-Beller
304-558-2210
mhudson@wvda.us