WARREN, OHIO – October 14, 2026 – Trumbull County Tourism has been named a finalist for Best Stakeholder Engagement in the 2026 City Nation Place Awards, an international competition recognizing excellence in place branding and place marketing.

Trumbull County Tourism is the only U.S. destination named a finalist in this category and the only Ohio organization represented among this year’s finalists.

The recognition is for Trumbull Tourism’s Economic Development Tour series, which brings regional leaders inside the businesses, projects, and community assets shaping Trumbull County.

Clare Dewhirst, CEO, City Nation Place, said, “I’m still blown away by the creativity and innovation of place branding and marketing teams from around the world. Place branding and marketing is an incredibly demanding job, and its importance is often severely underestimated. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to celebrate the individuals and teams working tirelessly to support the growth and development of their cities, regions, and nations.”

Beth Kotwis Carmichael, CEO of Trumbull County Tourism, says, “It’s a little surreal to see Trumbull County Tourism highlighted for our work alongside the destinations we’re competing with in this category. For a staff of three, it’s a reminder of the passion and level of work our team produces and how we continue to elevate the image of Trumbull County, now on an international stage.”   

Over the last 18 months, the series has included five tours, 31 site visits, and 101 participants.

Participants have represented business, government, education, nonprofits, economic development and tourism, with early- and mid-career professionals intentionally included alongside established leaders. Stops have ranged from international manufacturers and distribution operations to public infrastructure projects, healthcare, small businesses and quality-of-life assets.

Connections made through the tours have led to new partnerships, helped legislative staff identify businesses for future visits and inspired the development of a new workforce program for high school students.

“When we started these tours, we wanted leaders to get inside the places driving the Trumbull County economy,” said Commissioner Denny Malloy. “We think we know what is happening, but until you walk through these businesses and projects and talk directly with the people, you don’t see the whole picture. What is happening in Trumbull County connects to the region, the country and, in many cases, the world.”

The City Nation Place Awards attracted a record number of entries from 31 countries across all seven continents. Winners will be announced on November 5 at the City Nation Place Global conference in London, England. The finalists were selected by an international jury of place leaders.

Click here to see the Complete List of Categories and Finalists

Also, please use www.TrulyTrumbull.com when referring to our website.

Media Contact:
Beth Kotwis Carmichael, CEO
Trumbull County Tourism
330-675-3081
beth@trulytrumbull.com

About Trumbull County Tourism

Trumbull County Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Trumbull County, Ohio. Its work supports the visitor economy while helping strengthen the image, experiences, and relationships that make Trumbull County a place people want to visit, live, work, and invest.

About Economic Development Tours Photos & Video

Economic Development Tours in Trumbull County, Ohio – Truly Trumbull