The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY (June 3, 2026) — The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been named one of just 12 recipients nationwide of an Award of Excellence in Communications by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for its innovative “We Know Canadians…” campaign.

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ACCE represents more than 1,600 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations and over 9,000 professionals across North America. The organization’s annual Awards for Communications Excellence program recognizes the most effective and creative communications and marketing initiatives undertaken by chambers of commerce.

“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 North Country Chamber was recognized in the Campaigns Category for its “We Know Canadians…” initiative, a cross-border effort designed to reinforce the longstanding relationship between Northern New York and Canada through fact-based storytelling and shared history.

Launched during a period of heightened political tension, the campaign highlighted documented examples of collaboration, friendship, and mutual support between Canadians and Americans. Through bilingual video content, social media assets, and coordinated partner outreach, the campaign focused on strengthening people-to-people connections while emphasizing the importance of the cross-border relationship that has long defined the region.

The effort brought together an extensive coalition of partners, including the Consul General of Canada in New York, Québec’s Delegate General in New York, tourism organizations, elected officials, businesses, and community leaders on both sides of the border. The campaign generated more than 100,000 video views, substantial local and international media coverage, and widespread partner amplification that significantly expanded its reach and impact.

The campaign was developed largely in-house by the North Country Chamber’s leadership and marketing team, leading the conceptualization, scripting, design, and execution.

Judges praised the initiative, stating: “This was a really creative and well-executed campaign, produced in French and in English. It was sensitive, subtle and an example of successful collaboration across many agencies. It was a powerful one.”

“This has been a special endeavor to us, expressing timely and heartfelt messaging,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “It is important and overdue that our Canadian friends hear our respect and appreciation for how they are there for us, and that Americans remember, learn and appreciate the depth of this special relationship.”

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 16 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries submitted from across the country. Projects were judged within annual revenue categories and across communications disciplines including digital media, campaigns, publications, and websites.

As an Award of Excellence recipient, the North Country Chamber will now advance to compete for ACCE’s highest honor, Best in Show, with winners to be announced during ACCE’s Annual Convention in New Orleans on July 21.