Discover Marana wins award for Best Marketing Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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MARANA, AZ (August 20, 2026) –Discover Marana, The Town of Marana’s tourism division, was honored on August 13, 2026, at the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism with the Best Marketing Initiative – Southern Arizona Region Award for their marketing and storytelling campaign surrounding the 25th anniversary of Ironwood Forest National Monument.
“This was a multiphase, sustainable initiative that blended creative contests, civic action, educational programming, and physical installations into a campaign that extended well beyond the anniversary and generated tourism value for our community,” said Tourism & Marketing Manager Stefanie Boe.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ironwood Forest National Monument (IFNM), Discover Marana launched a local photo and sticker contest in May 2025 that generated 50 photo entries and 15 sticker designs. Winners were selected by a panel of community members and recognized in the Discover Marana Visitor Guide and in the 2026 Discover Marana calendar. Stickers were also printed as a limited-edition collectible and distributed at locations throughout the community, including the Marana Visitor Information Center, Town buildings, and special events. The designs were also shared online through Discover Marana’s website and social media channels.
Additionally, the Town of Marana proclaimed June 9, 2025, as “Ironwood Forest National Monument Day,” with Mayor and Town Council signing the proclamation at a June 3, 2025, council meeting.
“The Ironwood Forest National Monument is an incredible tourism asset, and Marana is proud to serve as a gateway to this unique landscape,” said Town of Marana Mayor Jon Post. “This award reflects Discover Marana’s creativity in showcasing the Ironwood Forest and inviting more people to discover, appreciate and protect this special place.”
The Marana Town Council also unanimously passed Resolution No. 2025-075, opposing any reduction of the Monument’s boundaries for resource extraction, directly supporting the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy.
“The Friends of the Ironwood have benefited immensely from having Marana as a partner in our support of Ironwood,” said Christine Flanagan, President of the Friends of the Ironwood Forest. “The Monument gains a supporter with every visitor who experiences its beauty and wild landscapes. We celebrate this award with you and look forward to many more years of partnership."
See the winning photos and stickers from the competition and read more about them here.
In the Media
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About Ironwood Forest National Monument
The Ironwood Forest National Monument takes its name from one of the longest-living trees in the Arizona desert and spans 189,600 acres, of which 128,400 acres are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is home to “Shiva”, the iconic 80-arm saguaro, and drives more than $4 million in economic impact to the region each year.
About Discover Marana
Discover Marana is the official destination marketing organization for the town of Marana, Arizona. Our mission is to inspire visitors to discover the natural beauty, rich history, cultural diversity and outdoor adventure that Marana has to offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family-friendly vacation, a romantic escape or an active exploration, Marana has something for everyone. Our town is close to everything the region has to offer, with easy access via Interstate 10, the major freeway through Tucson.
About Friends of the Ironwood Forest
Friends of Ironwood Forest works for the permanent protection of the biological, geological, archaeological, and historical resources for which the Ironwood Forest National Monument was established through education, community outreach and advocacy.
Christine Flanagan
President, Friends of the Ironwood Forest
christine@ironwoodforest.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Brandon Mejia
Tourism Marketing Specialist
Discover Marana/Town of Marana
520-486-1970 (text friendly)