Visit SoSi Wins Two IEDC Excellence Awards
The regional tourism program earned Gold recognition for its digital video series and its cross-border ambassador initiative.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Cultural
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Visit SoSi, the regional tourism program for Danville and Pittsylvania County, received two Gold Awards from the International Economic Development Council. The City of Danville also received a Bronze Award in the Economic Equity and Inclusion category.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights local efforts to promote tourism and engage residents as advocates for the region. The awards were presented across 26 IEDC award categories.
Visit SoSi earned two Gold Awards, one for its digital media series and one for its regional partnership program. The IEDC Excellence Awards span 26 categories, and no viewership or enrollment totals were provided.
The players
International Economic Development Council
The IEDC is a nonprofit professional association that administers the Excellence Awards recognizing economic development programs across the United States and beyond.
Visit SoSi
Visit SoSi is the regional tourism program promoting Danville and Pittsylvania County in Virginia.
The details
Visit SoSi Fridays is a weekly video series produced with River City TV, hosted by Tourism Manager Lisa Meriwether and Multimedia Manager Mark Aron. The I Am Tourism Ambassador Program, launched in 2024, trains residents and community stakeholders to advocate for the region through education, guided tours, and firsthand experiences.
Timeline
2024: I Am Tourism Ambassador Program launched.
October 2026: City of Danville recognized at the IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans.
Industry Dynamics
Regional tourism boards increasingly use local storytelling and resident ambassador programs to build visitor interest, a model the IEDC's award categories for digital media and regional partnerships explicitly recognize. Visit SoSi's Gold recognition in these areas places it among peer programs honored for similar strategies.
Visit SoSi Fridays is available as a weekly video series that viewers can watch to discover attractions, restaurants, events, and outdoor recreation across Danville and Pittsylvania County. Residents interested in the I Am Tourism Ambassador Program can engage with the regional tourism program to learn about its training and guided tour offerings.
The takeaway
Local tourism programs that train residents as ambassadors and produce consistent digital content can build regional visibility and earn recognition from national economic development bodies. Community members interested in promoting their area can explore similar ambassador initiatives.
Further reading
Explore more cultural coverage in Danville for related local stories.
More information
Learn more about the IEDC Excellence Awards program and its award categories.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greensboro News and Record.
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