Culpeper, VA – The Culpeper County Economic Development Sips of Culpeper program has been nominated for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Best in Show Award, the highest annual honor given by IEDC.
The “Best in Show” award recognizes the very best of economic development projects worldwide, with only 14 initiatives selected each year across all categories and population sizes. This marks the second consecutive year Culpeper County has been nominated, following its 2024 nomination for Choose Culpeper Farms.
“To receive this nomination once is an extraordinary honor. To receive it two years in a row puts Culpeper on the global stage in a way we could not have imagined,” said Bryan Rothamel, Economic Development Director. “Sips of Culpeper was built entirely in-house, with no added funding or staff, and to see it stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best economic development projects in the world is deeply rewarding.”
About Sips of Culpeper
Launched in April 2024, Sips of Culpeper is a beverage exploration trail highlighting Culpeper’s eight wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Designed to encourage residents to explore local businesses rather than traveling outside the county, the program turned everyday outings into an opportunity to rediscover Culpeper.
In just eight months, Sips of Culpeper generated $26,608 in direct economic impact from 622 completed passports—based only on the lowest-priced eligible purchases. Actual impact is far greater, with participants making multiple or higher-value purchases and returning for additional visits.
With no outside budget for photography, video, or design, the campaign relied on staff creativity, using local imagery and storytelling to spark “I know that place!” moments among residents. The result: a simple but powerful initiative that delivered measurable results, inspired local pride, and helped eight small businesses grow their customer base.
Part of the Choose Culpeper Farms Program
Sips of Culpeper was the first new initiative launched under the County’s broader Choose Culpeper Farms program, which supports traditional farms as well as beverage producers, nurseries, farm-based experiences, and small-acreage entrepreneurs. The program connects residents with farms through spotlights, events, and an award-winning website that provides both consumer engagement and farmer business resources.
ChooseCulpeperFarms.com itself earned a Gold Award from IEDC in 2024 and was also a Best in Show finalist, making Sips of Culpeper Culpeper’s second straight program to achieve this global distinction.
Culpeper: The Most Awarded Organization of 2025
At this year’s IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, Culpeper County Economic Development also accepted six Excellence in Economic Development Awards—the most awarded to any organization in 2025. Programs recognized included:
- Be A Culpeper Local Week – Special Event, Silver
- Be A Culpeper Local Spotlight – Digital Media, Bronze
- Be A Culpeper Local Newsletter – Magazine & Newsletter, Bronze
- Choose Culpeper Farms – Innovative Economic Development, Silver
- Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour Brochure – Print Brochure, Silver
- Sips of Culpeper – Advertising Campaign, Gold
“Our small, two-person team is proving that with the right ideas and the right relationships, even local programs can achieve global recognition,” said Winona Pritts, Business Development Manager. “This back-to-back Best in Show nomination is a proud moment for Culpeper and a reflection of the creativity and resilience of our business community.”
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About Culpeper County Economic Development
The Culpeper County Economic Development works to grow and expand the local economy through business retention and attraction, small business assistance, and agriculture development. Its award-winning initiatives include Be A Culpeper Local and Choose Culpeper Farms. Learn more at ChooseCulpeper.com.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind, dedicated to helping economic developers foster community growth and prosperity.