The Measurable Impact of Rural Marketing
Rural marketing works best when it’s built with the people it’s meant to reach. Our 2026 awards speak to strategies shaped through collaboration, informed by local insight, tested in real communities and refined over time. The result is measurable: stronger engagement, clearer messaging and growth that organizations can sustain. Here are the stories and communities behind the work.
Explore Our Awards
2026 Marketing Awards from the Virginia Professional Communicators
The Virginia Professional Communicators (VPC) Awards are part of a national, two-tiered competition recognizing excellence across media and marketing. Organized in partnership with the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), the contest begins at the state level with top winners advancing to national judging. We’re excited to share that our two first-place wins at the state level will advance to the national competition!
First-Place VPC: Social Media Presence (Nonprofit)
Letterpress partnered with The Harvest Foundation to develop a strategic social media presence focused on clarity, connection and community impact. Through consistent, insight-driven content on Facebook, the campaign made philanthropy more accessible, elevated partner organizations and encouraged ongoing engagement across Martinsville-Henry County. The result was a stronger digital presence that not only increased visibility, but also reinforced the foundation’s role as a collaborative leader in regional growth and rural innovation.
Social Impact: 168 posts generated...
Letterpress Team:
- Ronda Gentry, Project Manager & Writer
- Alexandra Veatch, Creative Director
- Karyn Keane, Social Media Manager
- Mike Eberly, Graphic Designer
First-Place VPC: Blog (For-Profit)
Letterpress partnered with Green Front Furniture to position American-made furniture as both a design choice and a regional investment in the Green Front’s Guide to the Best American-Made Furniture: Part 1 (2025 Picks + Forever Favorites). The blog combined expert curation with a focus on the makers and communities behind each piece, reinforcing the value of domestic craftsmanship in a changing global market. Supported by a strategic social rollout, it reached a highly engaged audience, driving traffic and reinforcing Green Front’s role as a trusted source for American-made furnishings.
In 2025 the blog generated:
Letterpress Team:
- Jennifer Kinne, Project Manager
- Melanie Harris, Creative Director
- Jessica Broaddus, Writer
- Marge Swayne, Copy Editor
Second-Place VPC: Google Ads Campaign
Letterpress worked with Eastern Mennonite University to create a digital campaign that highlighted the power of place in the college decision process. Through geo-targeted Google Ads, the campaign invited students and families to experience EMU’s campus firsthand, pairing a clear scholarship incentive with messaging focused on community, connection and personalized learning. By driving traffic to an optimized visit landing page, the campaign increased visibility, strengthened regional engagement, and translated interest into campus visits and applications.
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 20, 2025, an ad spend of $1,539 generated:
Letterpress Team:
- Ronda Gentry, Project Manager
- Alexandra Veatch, Creative Director
- Chad Thompson, Google Ads Strategist
- David Robinson, Graphic Designer
Honorable Mention VPC: Website (Nonprofit)
Letterpress worked with Southside SPCA to replace a text-heavy website with a streamlined, user-centered experience that makes it easier to adopt, give and get involved. An SEO-informed structure improved search visibility and helped more users discover the site, while the refreshed layout highlighted adoptable animals and simplified key pathways. Adoption content quickly rose to the top with the “Adopt a Dog” page drawing the most visitors and strong engagement. Together, these improvements are helping the organization reach more people and connect them to meaningful ways to support its mission.
Key growth numbers 12 months post-launch:
Letterpress Team:
- Chris Cook, Project Manager & Content Strategist
- Lyndsie Blakely, Creative Director
- David Robinson, Web Designer
- Megan George, Web Developer
- Jessica Broaddus, SEO Strategist
- Alexandra Veatch, Graphic Designer
- Karyn Keane, Copy Editor
2026 Marketing Awards from the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia
The American Advertising Awards, hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), is the industry's largest competition, with over 25,000 entries each year. Judged solely on creative excellence, the awards operate on three tiers — local, district and national. Gold ADDYs honor the highest level of achievement, while Silver ADDYs recognize outstanding work. Read more about our AAF wins below.
Gold ADDY & Best of Show: Sales Kit
Letterpress Communications partnered with Eastern Mennonite University to redesign its financial aid notification packet into a clearer, more accessible experience for students and families. Grounded in transparency, organization and user-focused design, the updated “FAN packet” simplifies a complex process and helps prospective students navigate an important decision with confidence.
Letterpress Team:
- Ronda Gentry, Project Manager & Writer
- Alexandra Veatch, Creative Director
- David Robinson, Graphic Designer
- Karyn Keane, Copy Editor
Gold ADDY: Branded Content & Entertainment For Online Film, Video & Sound (greater than one minute)
Letterpress worked with Halifax County Virginia Tourism and bookend creative to create a video centered on the Staunton River State Park Star Party experience. Focused on connection and community, the piece captures the energy of people gathering under Southside Virginia’s night sky while highlighting the region’s tourism appeal. Through authentic storytelling and immersive visuals, the project positions Halifax County as a destination shaped by shared experiences.
Letterpress Team:
- Karyn Keane, Project Manager
- Alexandra Veatch, Creative Director
- Bookend Creative, Videographer
Gold ADDY: Website (Consumer)
Letterpress partnered with the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association to create a website designed to serve its community with clarity and care. Focused on accessibility and ease of navigation, the site helps individuals and families quickly find critical resources during difficult moments. Grounded in user-focused design, every element supports a more transparent, supportive experience — demonstrating how thoughtful digital strategy can empower people when it matters most.
Letterpress Team:
- Megan George, Project Manager & Web Developer
- Chris Cook, Copywriter
- Karyn Keane, Copy Editor
- David Robinson, Web Designer
- Melanie Harris, SEO Strategist
Silver ADDY: Integrated Branded Content Campaign
Letterpress partnered with Green Front Furniture to develop an integrated branded content campaign highlighting the enduring value of American-made furniture. Spanning video, photography, digital storytelling and paid media, the campaign showcased the craftsmanship, customization and regional makers behind each piece. Rooted in Green Front’s long-standing relationships with manufacturers across the region, the work reinforced its identity as a third-generation, family-owned destination while connecting with customers seeking quality, transparency and products made in the USA.
Letterpress Team:
- Jennifer Kinne, Project Manager
- Melanie Harris, Creative Director
- Jessica Broaddus, Writer
- Marge Swayne, Copy Editor
- Brannan Blascak, Photographer
- Bookend Creative, Videographer