AWARDS TWEPI’s 5th Annual “Best Of SPOTLIGHT Windsor Essex” Awards Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) announced in mid-June the winners of its 5th annual “Best of Windsor Essex” Awards as voted on their website: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca. “As our tourism businesses continue to pivot their business and service options, it is more important than ever to celebrate the positive stories in our region, and help locals and visitors alike start planning where they want to explore when they feel it is safe to do so,” states Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI. “Now, more than ever, our small businesses need marketing support and awareness — and our ‘Best of Windsor Essex’ Awards can be used as to propel their message.” Voting took place online February 3 and February 23, 2020 with the goal of putting together the most comprehensive list of the “best things to see and do” in the region. This year there were 12,600 votes — a record breaking number in categories including the best in: Arts & Entertainment, Attractions & Events, Drink, Food, Outdoor Adventure, Shopping, Stay, and Photo Op. Finalists and winners are able to use this
campaign to differentiate their business, increase their visibility, validate their achievements, and act as a strong testimonial of their offerings. Furthermore, this campaign has created an authentic list that is expected to resonate with visitors, giving Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island the opportunity to highlight some of the best of what the region has to offer. “Now in its fifth year, by the number of votes received you can see how much locals love to celebrate what they think is great and unique about our region,” expresses Orr. “You can also see how much Windsor Essex businesses and their fans have embraced the ‘Best of Windsor Essex’ awards as a way to establish themselves as leading tourism operators in our region. Our goal from the ‘Best of Windsor Essex’ Awards is to showcase iconic experiences, hidden gems, and everything in between. Use this list as a great way to explore Windsor Essex!” Winners were originally scheduled to be announced March 25 during an awards presentation, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead winners were announced during a live event on social
A message from Essex MPP, Taras Natyshak As we battle COVID-19, there are things we can do to stay healthy and safe. . . Listen to public health experts Wear a mask when entering commercial businesses Wash your hands Social distance Limit time spent from home in order to protect yourself and others Visit TarasNatyshak.com for up to date information regarding COVID-19. Community Office: 316 Talbot Street North, Unit 5 Essex, ON • 519-776-6420 tnatyshak-co@ndp.on.ca
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Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, shown in his office, holds a plaque listing the 2020 recipients with plaques noting previous award winners hanging on the wall behind. Photo courtesy of TWEPI.
media at: Facebook.com/visitwindsoressex. Each winner received a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations, a listing in the 2020/2021 Official Visitor Guide, and branding at: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca. This specifically designed site features a miniprofile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top five finalists per category. The winning business, organization, or event in each of the 45 categories can be found on the accompanying page. Congrats to all!
