2025 Creative Expression Award Winner: Aaron Family Orchards
On Tuesday, May 6, Pick Ellijay hosted the inaugural Trailblazer Summit-our first annual meeting celebrating a year of progress and dedication in Gilmer County’s tourism industry. This special event recognized the individuals and businesses shaping the future of our community through leadership, creativity, and service. Four awards were presented: the Rising Star Award, Spirit of the Community Award, Frontline Service Award, and the Creative Expression Award.
Creativity is one of tourism’s most powerful tools. It can transform a simple idea into something unforgettable—a campaign, an experience, or an event that captures attention and draws people in. The Creative Expression Award honors a partner who brought that kind of spark to Gilmer County—someone whose work didn’t just stand out, but truly made a difference.
This year’s award went to a business that used humor, heart, and smart strategy to elevate both their brand and our community. Aaron Family Orchards created a digital presence that was not only fun to follow, but meaningful in its impact. From entertaining and informative reels to thoughtful campaigns like Apple Bins for Appalachia, they showed that promoting their orchard could also mean promoting Ellijay.
By collaborating with the Pick Ellijay team, they took the time to understand their audience and refine their outreach. The result? A 400% increase in positive Google reviews and a 50% jump in social media followers—clear proof that creativity, when done well, drives real results.
More than just effective, their work was intentional, community-minded, and a great reminder of what tourism can look like when creativity leads the way.
Congratulations to Aaron Family Orchards, recipient of the 2025 Creative Expression Award at the inaugural Trailblazer Summit!
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