Destination Seneca County received statewide recognition at the Ohio Travel Association’s Ohio Conference on Travel, held on October 2, 2025, at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ashtabula County.
Destination Seneca County was a finalist in three RUBY Award categories in 2025 and won first place in all three. The organization earned recognition for its Taste of Summer Seneca County campaign, the Seasons & Stories Blog, and its 2024 Year in Review Annual Report.
This achievement is especially meaningful as the 2025 competition featured a record 241 entries from across the state, underscoring both the difficulty of earning recognition and the significance of Destination Seneca County’s accomplishments.
Accepting the awards on behalf of the organization were Bryce Riggs, President & CEO; Marisa Huss, Director of Tourism & Marketing; and Judy Dezse, Community & Grants Engagement Coordinator.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Destination Seneca County has been recognized at the state level for its contributions to Ohio’s tourism industry. This brings the organization to 10 RUBY Awards and four Citations of Excellence.
The Taste of Summer Seneca County campaign reimagined a traditional “restaurant week” into a county-wide celebration of food and drink. With 28 participating businesses and hundreds of community members taking part, the event created new opportunities for engagement while supporting local entrepreneurs.
The Seasons & Stories Blog, launched in 2025, introduced a fresh approach to digital storytelling. Featuring monthly themes tied to culture, hidden gems, and local traditions, the blog drew more than 22,000 visitors in its first seven months and became a gateway for promoting Seneca County experiences.
The 2024 Year in Review Annual Report transformed the organization’s annual update into a visually compelling storytelling tool. Produced entirely in-house, the report reached thousands of stakeholders through digital and print distribution and was widely praised for its authenticity and clarity.
“Destination Seneca County’s team shows incredible passion and enthusiasm for promoting our community,” said Anthony Paradiso, President of the Seneca County Board of Commissioners. “Their dedication is helping make Seneca County the best place to live, work, and visit, and this statewide recognition reflects the impact of their efforts.”
The RUBY Awards (Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance Yearly), sponsored by Ohio Magazine, celebrating excellence in Ohio’s hospitality and tourism industry, with categories focusing on advertising, marketing, and public relations. RUBY Awards are presented as first-place honors, while Citations of Excellence recognize second place.
