GREENVILLE – The Darke County Visitors Bureau (DCVB) brought together local businesses, attractions, organizations and community leaders for an evening of networking, collaboration and celebration during its inaugural Distinctly Darke County: Sharing Tourism Together event on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Held at the John & Iris Hathaway Education & Community Center in Greenville, the event provided an opportunity for those involved in Darke County tourism to connect, exchange ideas and recognize the people and organizations helping make the county a welcoming destination for both visitors and residents.
The evening also featured the presentation of the Distinctly Darke County Tourism Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to tourism, hospitality, community involvement and the visitor experience.
“This event was about bringing people together and celebrating everything that makes Darke County special,” said DCVB Executive Director Greg Billing. “We have so many outstanding businesses, attractions, festivals and organizations throughout the county, and each plays an important role in our tourism story. Our goal was to strengthen those connections, encourage collaboration and remind everyone that we’re all working toward the same goal — making Darke County a great place to visit, explore, experience and reside.”
Four recipients were honored with Distinctly Darke County Tourism Awards:
Fort GreeneVille Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Recognized for its dedication to preserving and sharing local history, honoring the area’s heritage and helping connect residents and visitors with Darke County’s historical significance.
Do Good Restaurant and Ministry: Honored for its unique combination of hospitality, community service and charitable outreach, demonstrating how a local restaurant can make a meaningful difference while welcoming visitors to the community.
Illumination Festival: Recognized for creating a memorable community event that brings people together through music, entertainment and fellowship while attracting visitors and showcasing Darke County.
Third Base Bar: Honored for Brad & Lillian Bruns and family’s commitment to preserving a beloved local gathering place. When the bar faced closure, the family stepped in to keep its doors open, ensuring Frenchtown residents and visitors would continue to have a place to gather, connect and enjoy the community. Their efforts reflect the pride, hospitality and small-town spirit that make Darke County special.
The awards were established to recognize individuals, businesses, events and organizations whose efforts enhance the visitor experience, strengthen community pride and contribute to Darke County’s tourism industry.
“We were very pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm everyone brought to the event,” said Larry Boos, chairperson of the DCVB Promotions Committee. “Darke County has so many wonderful businesses, attractions, festivals and organizations that contribute to our tourism success. We wanted to bring those people together, recognize some of their outstanding contributions and encourage everyone to find ways to support one another. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of even stronger partnerships throughout the county.”
The DCVB also shared information about its ongoing efforts to promote Darke County through its Visitors Guide, website, social media, marketing campaigns and partnerships with local businesses, attractions and event organizers. A central message throughout the evening was the importance of working together to strengthen tourism across the county. By sharing information, cross-promoting events and attractions, and building relationships, tourism partners can help encourage visitors to explore more of what Darke County has to offer.
The DCVB expressed its appreciation to the many individuals and businesses that helped make the evening possible.
Special thanks were extended to Spirit EMS for its hospitality in hosting the event at the John & Iris Hathaway Education & Community Center.
The Visitors Bureau also recognized the contributions of its food sponsors: Beanz Buttercream Bakery and Eatery, Becks’ Market, Sure Shot Tap House, Sloopy’s and Tipsy Cowboy Bar and Grill.
Billing thanked the DCVB Board of Trustees for its continued support, along with the Promotions Committee, which helped organize the event and review tourism award nominations. Committee members include Brian Brown, Eric Stachler and Carol Williams and Boos. Billing also recognized DCVB Social Media and Marketing Coordinator Ethan Tutwiler for his work supporting the event and the bureau’s promotional efforts.
The Darke County Visitors Bureau encourages businesses, attractions, restaurants, festivals and community organizations throughout the county to stay connected and take advantage of opportunities to share their stories, promote upcoming events and collaborate on tourism initiatives.
“We want our tourism partners to know the Visitors Bureau is here to help,” Billing added. “Whether you’re hosting a festival, opening a business, planning an event or offering a unique visitor experience, we want to hear about it. The more we work together and promote one another, the stronger Darke County becomes as a destination to both visit and make your home.”
The Darke County Visitors Bureau wants to help share your stories, celebrate your successes and promote the many wonderful things happening throughout Darke County. Whether you’re a business owner, event organizer, attraction or community organization, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s work together to showcase everything that makes our county Distinctly Darke County. To learn more or explore ways to partner with the Visitors Bureau, visit www.visitdarkecounty.org, call or text 937-548- 5158 or stop by the Welcome Center in downtown Greenville.
