Finger Lakes, NY
Finger Lakes Connected has been named Best Regional Marketing & PR Platform in The Insider Weekly’s 2026 Review of the Year Awards, recognizing its role in supporting local business visibility and regional storytelling across New York’s Finger Lakes region.
The award highlights Finger Lakes Connected’s work in providing businesses with access to structured media exposure and brand positioning within a competitive local marketplace. The platform combines public relations services with digital publishing to help regional businesses communicate their stories to audiences interested in local commerce, tourism, and community development.
“This recognition from The Insider Weekly reflects our ongoing focus on helping Finger Lakes businesses connect with their communities in a credible and consistent way,” said Don Stevens, manager of Finger Lakes Connected. “Our goal has always been to support regional growth by amplifying the stories that define this area.”
Finger Lakes Connected operates a regional website and weekly newsletter featuring editorial coverage of local businesses, wineries, attractions, and events. Its content strategy is designed to serve both visitors and residents, offering business visibility alongside regional news and community-focused storytelling.
Unlike platforms that focus primarily on tourism promotion, Finger Lakes Connected maintains a broader editorial scope that includes business features, regional updates, and event coverage. This approach allows businesses to maintain sustained visibility with audiences engaged in the local economy rather than relying on short-term promotional placements.
Stevens brings more than 20 years of experience in public relations and communications to the platform, with a background that includes marketing strategy, publishing, and digital media. His work has included efforts to support small businesses while promoting awareness of the Finger Lakes’ wine, beverage, and hospitality sectors.
Currently serving businesses throughout the Finger Lakes region, Finger Lakes Connected plans to continue expanding partnerships with regional organizations while maintaining its focus on long-term relationship building and consistent media presence.
About Finger Lakes Connected:
Finger Lakes Connected is a regional marketing and public relations platform serving New York’s Finger Lakes region. Through editorial content, strategic branding support, and media exposure, the platform helps local businesses strengthen visibility and connect with regional audiences.
