Mississippi State University’s football team wasn’t the only group that found success this fall.
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s New South Weekends, a fall event series that coincides with the college football season, won the Mississippi Main Street Association’s Best Image or Branding Promotion award.
“We’re so appreciative to be recognized for what we believe is a one-of-a-kind campaign that brands Starkville as ‘Mississippi’s college town,’ while shining a light on our amazing retailers and restaurants, and creating significant economic impact for our community,” said GSDP CEO Jennifer Gregory. “Special thanks are deserved to our exceptional graphics firm, Small Pond Graphics, and our team at the Partnership that works weekends, nights and whenever else it takes to pull off these events.”
The New South Weekends series is half of the Partnership’s major tourism initiatives. The Savor Our South campaign runs from late winter through the spring, then the GSDP spends its resources marketing the Starkville Community Market throughout the summer months.
From August to December, the 2014 New South Weekends series featured a variety of events targeted at Starkville residents and out-of-town tourists: the Downtown Block Party, which kicked off the football season; September’s unWINE Downtown, a shopping and wine-tasting event; and October’s Pumpkinpalooza, the Partnership’s award-winning, signature fall event.
Each weekend also included Bulldog Brunch and Browse, a Sunday event aimed at opening retailers’ doors for guests before they leave Starkville.
“It’s all about putting money in the economy. From Friday night events downtown to Bulldog Brunch and Browse, they create new sales and promote our retailers, restaurants, activity and life downtown. Our graphics and branding marks have been incredible,” Gregory said. “(New South Weekend events) are a great way to package a football weekend for visitors. We give them an itinerary and provide an enjoyable experience that showcases the best of Starkville. It definitely generates funds, but it’s just as much as experience and perception, too.”
The Partnership last year picked up awards for Best New Signage and Best New Development Project for two visible projects: the city’s wayfinding signage and Renasant Bank’s transformation of a once-blighted parcel into a significant economic development project.
“This year’s award winners reflect the commitment of the many individuals and groups who champion what Main Street is all about – developing the heart of our communities, our historic downtowns and enhancing quality of life for everyone,” said MMSA Executive Director Bob Wilson in a release.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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