Paul Kiah, of Here’s Where Visitor Information Service, submitted the chamber’s brochure as an entry in the contest sponsored by the Association of Professional Brochure Distributors. The full color brochure that features photographs and information about the Lakes Region was announced as a First Place Regional Winner during the association’s recent annual meeting in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

From a field of more than 7,500 brochures, representing the collective client base of the Association membership, nominees were narrowed down to a list of 26, according to Association President Barbara Kenney.

The nominated brochures were then evaluated through competitive comparisons using specific criteria including headline quality, construction, content and overall appeal. Industry professionals representing brochure distribution and display companies from throughout the U.S., Canada and Ireland did the judging.

Susan Cerutti, executive director of the chamber, said the brochure is a component of the Chamber’s national marketing campaign. In addition to the production of 225,000 copies of the brochure, the campaign includes an aggressive advertising program and a very targeted distribution of the brochure.

Stressing that the brochure’s production is "very much a team effort," Cerutti cited the efforts of the Chamber’s staff, Judy Manning, Jean Greenlaw and Stephanie Whiting who worked very closely with the brochure’s designer Judy Lavoie of Lavoie Graphics, formerly of North Conway.

"We strive for quality both in design and distribution and the award is a validation of the hard work and time which we put into the project," Cerutti commented.

To assist with the marketing program, the Chamber receives a grant from the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development through the Joint Promotional Program.