Alexandria, Va. (June 4, 2026) — TheyDidWhat?! The Vail Valley Partnership was recently named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is a national association with over 1,600 members including chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations and represents more than 9,000 industry professionals.

The Vail Valley Partnership was honored to accept this award for its sustainable tourism campaign, TheyDidWhat.org, also trans-created in Spanish as QueHicieron.org to ensure cultural relevancy. Created in 2024 and launched in 2025 with the Basalt Chamber of Commerce, this bilingual effort focused on how visitors and residents alike can adventure responsibly and protect the Vail Valley places we cherish. A cast of clever critters promotes campaign messaging, including a bunny bemoaning an abandoned campfire, a sad squirrel in the presence of trail trash, and a menacing mama bear protecting her cubs.

This no-nonsense travel guide advocates for sustainable adventuring in Eagle County and is FREE for anyone to share via the English and Spanish online toolkits. Spearheaded by a pack of local eco-experts, TheyDidWhat.org offers insider tips to make every moment count. Adventurers can get the most out of every moment in the wild by making good choices and showing up prepared — protecting the wild from ourselves and keeping the outdoors beautiful.

The 16-judge panel noted, “Vail Valley Partnership identified a real and pressing issue and responded by engaging community partners in a campaign that is beautiful, fun, creative and bilingual. The result is a truly successful 360-degree campaign that speaks to both residents and visitors in a way that feels authentic, inclusive and genuinely inspiring.”

This was exactly the campaign’s point and is underscored by the reaction of VVP President/CEO Chris Romer: “The campaign was designed to help our locals, second homeowners, and visitors understand the importance of stewardship in a fun, engaging way. We consulted over 30 local organizations in the development of the campaign, and we are honored to receive this national recognition highlighting Eagle County’s stewardship efforts.”

Local creative agency, Hyfyve, was integral in creating the campaign. Founder and long-time local Dennis McMahon noted, “Everyone can learn something here, and leading the creative execution has been a heartfelt reminder that I, too, can always take better care of the place I love."

ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations.  “Strong communications are central to how chambers lead, serve and demonstrate impact,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “This year’s Awards for Communications Excellence winners show what is possible when strategy, creativity and execution come together to engage members, elevate community priorities and tell the chamber story with clarity and purpose.”

The 12 winning entries will now go on to compete for the Best in Show title within their total annual revenue range category. The three winning entries will be revealed at ACCE's annual convention in New Orleans during the July 21 awards show.

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 16 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated the entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue — and entry type: digital media, campaigns, print and electronic publications and websites.

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About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the people who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security and access to a network of peers. Learn more at acce.org.

About Vail Valley Partnership

Vail Valley Partnership, a 501c(6) nonprofit organization, has been engaged in the community from the early days of Vail, starting in 1964 as the Vail Resort Association. Over time, we have grown to become the regional community development organization dedicated to the community vitality of the Vail Valley. With a membership of 750+ organizations that spans the Vail Valley, and beyond, Vail Valley Partnership is dedicated to ensuring local business success and fostering regional community vitality by offering local business tools and resources, promoting the Vail Valley to destination guests, and initiating economic development efforts. Learn more about Vail Valley Partnership at vailvalleypartnership.com