Urbana was selected from among several applicants, and the award was based on factors that included education, community spirit, attractions and business environment, among others.
In addition to the issue due out in November, Urbana will also be featured in the magazine in January, and again next summer, said Tina Knotts, executive director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau.
“The great thing about this is it gives us an opportunity to shine for an entire year,” Knotts said.
Local officials will celebrate the honor during the annual Hoopla in Urbana parade in downtown Urbana scheduled for 1 p.m. today, Sept. 11. Along with a banner, officials will serve cupcakes and cake before a chili cook-off later in the afternoon.
Doug Crabill, assistant director of administration for the city, said along with potentially boosting tourism, the recognition could also help encourage businesses and residents across the state to take a closer look at what the city has to offer.
“It’s not just tourism-based,” Crabill said. “It’s also quality of life.”
Knotts said a committee of several volunteers worked together to promote the city to the magazine. The group included Mike Morris, director of economic development for Champaign County, as well as volunteers Heather Tiefenthaler, Sara Kerns and Gary Schenkel.
Kerns, a local business owner, said the magazine stories should boost the profile of the whole county.
“This will definitely help heighten the awareness of this community,” Kerns said.
Cities from four other regions across the state will also be recognized. They include Wapakoneta, Worthington, Zanesville and Medina. In 2010, Yellow Springs was named the best hometown in southwest Ohio.
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