Scenic America has been recognized by the American Society of Association Executives with a 2022 Gold Circle Award in the Media/Public Relations Campaign category for its communications work promoting the National Scenic Byways Program. The Gold Circle Awards competition is the premier association marketing, membership, and communications award that recognizes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications programs. This year’s competition received more than 300 entries across 15 categories, including convention/meeting campaign, member retention campaign, print magazine, and video.

Scenic America’s entry highlighted its communications successes surrounding the scenic byways program, which resulted in mentions in more than 31 news outlets, including top-tier travel publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the Washington Post. Scenic America also developed new digital content and resources for byways enthusiasts, which drove an eight-fold increase in website traffic and prompted a surge in email subscriptions.

“This is a tremendous honor for Scenic America and a strong validation of the importance of the work we do in communities across the country,” said Scenic America President Mark Falzone. “In 2019, Scenic America led the way in working with Congress to revive the scenic byways program. After the newest scenic byways were named by the Federal Highways Administration in 2021, we positioned Scenic America as a trusted, authoritative source on the topic. In doing so, we capitalized on the rising public interest in road trips and outdoor adventures during the COVID-19 pandemic to grow awareness of our organization and its mission.”

Entries for the Gold Circle Awards competition are judged consistently in each category based on criteria established by the ASAE Gold Circle Award Committee for excellence in association marketing, membership, and communications programs.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the 2022 ASAE Gold Circle Award winners. ASAE’s Gold Circle Award recognizes the unique position of associations in the marketing and communications landscape.” said Kerri L. McGovern, MPP, CAE, chair of the Gold Circle Awards Committee.

“By celebrating excellence in the field, the Gold Circle Awards highlights the creativity and innovation that association executives bring to the table and the results of which positively impact associations and its members. This year’s award winners embody what it means to be thoughtful, creative, and goal-driven.”

The competition’s overall winner will be announced May 17 during ASAE’s annual marketing and communications conference. For more information and to view the full list of category winners, click here.