“Receiving awards in so many important, yet diverse areas shows just how talented and dedicated our citizens are to achieving excellence,” says Paducah Mayor Bill Paxton.
Paxton adds, “The various awards reflect areas of excellence that the community will use toward achieving its economic development goals.”
Over the past few months, a committee consisting of EntrePaducah Executive Director Terry Reeves, Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau Marketing Director Rosemarie Steele, West Kentucky Community & Technical College (WKCTC) Director of Marketing Janett Blythe, and Paducah Public Information Officer Pam Spencer began thinking of unique ways to market the awards which include the Dozen Distinctive Destinations, Chamber of the Year, 100 Best Communities for Young People, and WKCTC Nation’s Top Five Community College.
“We know this award-winning city will not stand still and will continue to achieve greatness. We want something that can continue to grow as new awards are received,” says Spencer.
Spencer notes that the Paducah Celebrating Excellence campaign consists of two elements. The first is the creation of a central source of information, a website, showcasing recognition earned by local public and private entities. Updated logos and links to information about the awards can be easily found on the website.
The second element involves promoting the website and logo. Local businesses and public service agencies are encouraged to attach the link to www.awardwinningpaducah.com and logo to advertising they may run in their respective trade publications. Design-ready artwork for the link is available at no charge.
“The concept is simple. As a company shares its award with its contacts and markets its award in chosen publications, all of the local awards will get attention,” says Reeves.
“All of these areas of achievement...education, quality of life, a vibrant downtown, and quality business support...make Paducah even more attractive to companies searching for a new ‘home’,” says Paducah Economic Development President Chad Chancellor.
The Celebrating Excellence campaign started with Paducah collectively bringing home in 2011 top honors in the areas of higher education, business advocacy, tourism, and quality of life. In chronological order, Paducah-McCracken County brought home four major awards:
March: Paducah is named one of a “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Paducah was also voted the “Fan Favorite” among the “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Paducah’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau led the effort.
August: The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce is named “Chamber of the Year” by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.
October: City of Paducah named “One of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance and ING.
December: WKCTC named one of the “Top Five Community Colleges in America” by the Aspen Institute.
Throughout 2012, Paducah will focus its “Celebration of Excellence” campaign toward its economic development targets through strategic messaging and events. To follow the year’s events and to learn more about the four national awards received by Paducah, visit www.awardwinningpaducah.com.
About Paducah: Situated in the center of a four-state trade area, Paducah is home to several networks of business development and higher education. Located at, or near, the confluence of four major rivers, Paducah is the hub of the inland waterways system. Two full-service hospitals and supporting medical community make Paducah a regional health care destination. The region’s agricultural and other business interests are supported by Paducah’s strategic river and rail resources in addition to higher education opportunities. The Congressionally recognized National Quilt Museum of the United States showcases the finest in quilts/fiber arts in the world and brings visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 countries on a regular basis. And, Paducah’s LowerTown Arts District is nationally known as a destination for art as unique and creative as the many artists who call Paducah home.
