Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service announced the inaugural recipients of its ANDIES AWARDS during a ceremony at the Campground Owners Expo (COE) on December 3. The awards recognize excellence in print marketing for businesses and associations operating in the outdoor hospitality and tourism industries.
The awards program was developed by Donald Bennett, Jr., principal owner of Anderson’s, and his wife and co-owner, Lisa Bennett. Its purpose is to highlight outstanding print marketing while generating visibility for both winners and the company.
“When Lisa and I started discussing the idea for the awards program, we knew we wanted to make sure it generated buzz for the winners and for Anderson’s, and that we could have fun with it,” Bennett said in a press release.
“In life today, we don’t take enough time to congratulate each other on a job well done, and this is our way to say, ‘great job’ and ‘thank you,’” Bennett added.
Nominations were submitted by business operators or their peers, and winners were selected by a panel of industry professionals with expertise in outdoor hospitality, tourism, and marketing design. The panel reviewed print materials from RV parks, campgrounds, campground associations, and destination marketing organizations.
The awards were divided into categories for large and small format print publications. Recipients represented a mix of destination marketing organizations, campground associations, and individual RV parks and campgrounds.
For large format publications, winners included Orleans County Bicentennial Year Travel Guide by Orleans County Tourism in New York, Camping Guide by the Maine Association of Campground Owners (MECOA), and Camping Guide by the New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA).
RV park and campground winners in the large format category included Vacation Guide by Lake George RV Park in New York and the Large Brochure from Big Pine Key RV – A Cove Oceanfront Park in Florida.
Small format print publications were recognized in separate categories. Destination marketing organization winner was “Endless Gravel” Brochure from Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania.
Campground association winners included USA & Canada Parks Brochure by Camp Jellystone and Camping, Glamping, Travel Guide Brochure by Missouri Camping/Texas Advertising.
Among RV parks and campgrounds, Rack Cards from Catskill Mountains/Gilboa KOA Holiday in New York and Country Bend Campground in Illinois were awarded for excellence.
Jason Vaughan, executive director of the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association, assisted Bennett on stage in presenting the trophies.
Bennett noted that conferences in the industry are typically casual. He said, “I joked with Jason on stage saying, ‘Hey, you told me this would be a serious, formal event. Nobody else is dressed up!’”
Recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition.
Joan Delvescio, executive director of the NJCOA, said, “We are honored to have receive this inaugural award. The New Jersey campground guide is a sought-after publication by the camping public looking for information on camping in New Jersey. I especially thank Glenn Clark from Crafting a Brand for the creative direction of the guidebook.”
Kate Tuxhorn, co-owner of Country Bend Campground with husband Jeff, said, “We are so proud to receive this award! We try to keep our campground a vibrant and welcoming place, so it’s exciting that the judges felt that spirit in our rack card. Adding the ANDIES AWARDS was a nice addition to COE; it really gave the night that little extra it was missing. Kudos to Don for that.”
Bennett confirmed that the inaugural program received more nominations than expected and anticipates growth for 2026.
“I think the COE attendees were inspired by the quality of marketing pieces recognized here and will want to nominate their own print publications next year,” he said.
More information about the ANDIES AWARDS and winning publications is available at merchantrytourism.com/andies-awards.
Featured image by Merchantry Tourism, LLC