This weekend, at Tourism Vancouver Island’s 45th Annual Conference, the Alberni Valley Tourism council received recognition for its efforts and achievements over the past year by winning the Multi-Faceted Advertising Campaign award.

The Multi-Faceted Advertising Award recognizes a business or organization for its innovative use of various forms of advertising in a campaign that was successful in attracting traveling consumers. Alberni Valley Tourism won the award for its Bear Tracks and Lumberjacks brand, and a year-long campaign that included a photo contest, the development of a website, newspaper and TV advertising, brochures, kids’ placemats, flags, stickers, and a Seven Wonders of the Alberni Valley contest.

Key to winning the award was the fact that the campaign got results. Campgrounds in the area reported a marked increase in Vancouver Island based campers -- despite a ban on sockeye salmon fishing in the inlet. Major events like the Tall Ships Festival, Thunder in the Valley, Salmon Festival, and Fall Fair enjoyed record attendance. While other island destinations showed decreased room nights and the ferries showed decreased traffic, Alberni’s Visitor Centre numbers were steady, and the area’s accommodation sector reported a strong July, August and September. The Heritage Network (McLean Mill, Alberni Pacific Railway, the Museum & Maritime Museum) also enjoyed record attendance.

Attending the Gala Awards Dinner were Karen Goldby, past chair of the council, Annette Clement, Sandy McRuer, Blake Johnson, Kenn Whiteman, and Carol Vincent, president of Redbird Communications, the council’s advertising agency of record.

Blake Johnson, who accepted the award on behalf of the council, said “It was a great evening and people from around the island were very happy for our success. Huge thanks to Karen Goldby, Walt McAloney, Neil Malbon and all of the present and past directors of AVT for all of your tireless efforts.”

The attractive frosted glass and black award will be displayed at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Centre.

For more information, contact Neil Malbon, Chair, Alberni Valley Tourism, 250-731-6678, or Carol Vincent, President, Redbird Communications, 250-479-3806.