Explore Crawford County in partnership with Pittsburg State University’s Department of Art and the University Marketing & Communication office recently won a statewide marketing award.

“Gus Explores Southeast Kansas” is a coloring book whose purpose is to teach guests and local children about SEK. The Coloring book won the award in the 2022 Small Budget Print category. Judges in the Travel Industry Association of Kansas Marketing Awards contest said that targeting families and providing an activity for their children is an effective, creative strategy to get tourists to Crawford County.

Executive Director Dave Looby and Marketing & Communications Manager Chris Wilson accepted the award. Wilson credited PSU Marketing, Dr. Oliver, and his art students for the success of the kid's book. The project surpassed expectations. An original print of 2,500 copies ran out so fast an additional 5,000 copies were ordered.