GYEDC’s Why Greater Yuma Film Receives Top Honors in 2025 Communicator Awards
The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC) has earned international recognition with its original film, “Why Greater Yuma,” which was recently honored with an Award of Excellence by the 31st Annual Communicator Awards — the highest distinction granted by one of the most competitive marketing and communications awards programs in the world.
This milestone achievement places Greater Yuma in the company of global giants like NASA+, Apple, and The Walt Disney Company — a testament to the region’s growing visibility and creative prowess in business-to-business (B2B) marketing.
A Regional Vision, Executed In-House
Produced entirely by GYEDC without the aid of an outside agency, the film represents the region’s ability to compete with elite marketing campaigns, both in quality and impact. Under the creative leadership of Lyndsay Wisneski, GYEDC’s Chief Marketing Officer, and directed by Eric Castanos with cinematography by Castanos and Daniel Rodriguez, the campaign was a homegrown effort that exemplifies what’s possible when regional pride meets professional execution.
“The entirety of the project — planning, development, and execution — was done in-house here at GYEDC,” said Wisneski. “To win this award without using an external agency not only saved us money but gave us a deep sense of pride. We proved that the talent in the Greater Yuma region can develop nationally recognized, award-winning campaigns.”
A Strategic B2B Outreach Effort
The Why Greater Yuma? film was not just a branding exercise; it was a strategic business development tool. The campaign ran across Paramount+, Google, and multiple Google partner platforms, ensuring that national audiences — particularly those in site selection, logistics, and industrial investment sectors — were reached through high-impact digital media placements. Supplemented by targeted social media outreach, the campaign successfully amplified the region’s value proposition to decision-makers nationwide.
Industry Recognition Among Global Brands
Judged by a jury of more than 500 creative leaders from organizations like Google, Microsoft, Spotify, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Smithsonian, GYEDC’s campaign stood out for its creativity, clarity of message, and regional authenticity. Its selection as a winner among brands like PepsiCo and Cheetos highlights a significant step forward for Yuma’s economic development visibility.
Why This Matters to Investors and Site Selectors
This recognition reinforces what investors and expanding businesses have increasingly come to realize: Greater Yuma is not only open for business, it’s competing and winning on a national level. With the talent, infrastructure, and vision to produce work that resonates at the highest levels, the region continues to position itself as a compelling choice for industries looking to scale and innovate in the Southwest.
For those considering relocation or expansion, the message is clear — Greater Yuma tells a story worth investing in.
Watch the award-winning film and explore the full campaign
See the full list of Communicator Award winners
