For Immediate Release
Oct. 3, 2025
Contact: Sarah Goodrich
Phone: 304-368-1123
Email: sarah@marioncvb.com
Website: marioncvb.com
Marion County CVB, Clarksburg CVB Take Home Regional Tourism Impact Award
Pleasant Valley, W.Va.. – The Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Clarksburg Visitors Bureau were recently recognized for their collaboration on the West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail.
The two bureaus received this year’s Governor’s Award for Regional Tourism Impact on Oct. 1 at the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
“We knew the WV Pepperoni Roll Trail would be very impactful, but realizing that others see it and feel it (and maybe taste it), confirms to us what we already knew,” said Leah Smith, Marion CVB executive director. “Receiving this award was a testament to our teamwork and the pepperoni roll itself.”
The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail started in April 2025 with bakeries in Marion and Harrison Counties and one bakery from Upshur County. The Trail has since expanded to include Tucker, Monongalia and Greenbrier Counties and is expected to launch new locations in the future.
“When we brought on the Bridgeport CVB and Visit Upshur County, we knew this was going to be special. To be recognized on a state level just shows that collaboration truly is key,” said Visit Clarksburg CVB Executive Director Aimeé Comer.
Comer and Smith both credit former Marion CVB Executive Director Leisha Elliott with the idea of a regional pepperoni roll trail.
The annual Almost Heaven Achievement Awards also included the Spirit of Almost Heaven award, an award presented to businesses, organizations or individuals who promote Mountain State tourism and enhance community spirit. Nominated by the Marion CVB, Loving WV was a finalist in the category.
“This recognition reaffirms that our passion for telling West Virginia’s story through our work is making an impact, not just locally but across the Mountain State,” said Loving WV Owner Evan Chapman “West Virginia is at the heart of everything we do, and to be recognized by WV Tourism for celebrating and sharing the spirit of our state means the world to us.”
The three-day conference was held in Morgantown this year with dozens of county tourism offices, visitors and tourism-focused professionals in attendance. The awards ceremony presented several awards to CVBs and tourism partners.
“The WV Governor’s Conference is an eye-opening experience where tourism professionals can learn about the impact they’re having on a macro-level,” Smith said. “It’s also a time where you can ask questions, learn about new ways to grow your business or mission and come away with great ideas and new connections.”
About the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County, Inc. is a nonprofit marketing organization that develops the area’s tourism industry and advances Marion County as a desirable destination using the area’s vibrant culture, history and natural beauty.
About the Clarksburg Visitor Center
The Clarksburg Visitors Bureau works to develop, strengthen and promote Clarksburg, West Virginia through digital marketing, advertising, media relations and visitor center services.