OUR PLACE
Living in Lake Geneva, residents sometimes feel visitors get more consideration.
The BID wants to change that and let residents know they matter and are the reason why downtown thrives. “We Love Locals Wednesday” was created to celebrate locals and the downtown district. Every Wednesday beginning in late May, parking sticker holders will get free parking all day. Businesses will stay open later and offer exclusive deals, creating a fun and welcoming midweek experience. The downtown wants locals to dine and shop downtown and feel welcomed and appreciated while doing it.
Lake Geneva commercial chosen ‘Best in Show’
LAKE GENEVA, Wisconsin (April 19, 2026) –
It’s not a Super Bowl ring, but a creative collaboration between Visit Lake Geneva, Discover Mediaworks, and Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver has produced a big win for the team.
Visit Lake Geneva’s winter commercial featuring Driver was chosen Best in Show in a statewide competition for the industry’s prestigious ADDY awards. Produced by Discover Mediaworks, the commercial features Driver, who has a Super Bowl ring and also won television’s Dancing With the Stars competition, enjoying activities such as a spa treatment, downhill skiing, candy making, and shopping. The winning commercial is entitled “This is Lake Geneva.” Executive producers are Mark and Lisa Rose of Discover Mediaworks. Producers are Stephanie Klett and Deanna Goodwin of Visit Lake Geneva. Vinnie Besasie directed the spot.
The recognition is part of the three-tier American Advertising Awards, which begin at the state level, continue to regional competition, and culminate with nationals. More than 35,000 entries are part of the competition each year. The state competition is sponsored by the American Advertising Federation Wisconsin chapter and is part of its efforts to promote professional development in the advertising and marketing industry.
All entries are scored for quality and creativity by a distinguished panel of judges. Top recognition, or a Gold ADDY, denotes the highest level of creative excellence and is judged superior to all other entries in the category.
Judges in the Wisconsin competition were Allan Gungormez, chief strategy officer for Modern Logic in Los Angeles; Joseph Mayernik, owner and executive creative director for Brandtatorship in New York; and Madison McQuary from the White Unicorn Agency in Dallas, Texas.
“Recognition from our industry means a great deal, but our primary purpose is always to champion the Lake Geneva region,” said Stephanie Klett, President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva. “What makes this award so meaningful is knowing we created something our community can be proud of while encouraging new visitors to discover everything this destination has to offer.”
Discover Mediaworks CEO Mark Rose praised the partnership. “I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible team we built with Visit Lake Geneva and Discover Mediaworks,” Rose said. “Earning a Gold ADDY and the even greater honor Best of Show delivers a strong statement about our creative collaboration and collective effort.”
Discover Mediaworks produces America’s longest-running travel show, Discover Wisconsin. Klett hosted the program for nearly 20 years before being named Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, a post she held for eight years prior to joining Visit Lake Geneva in 2019.
“We have developed a wonderful partnership with Discover Mediaworks and trust them to bring our creative vision to life,” Klett said.
This is not the first time the three-part Visit Lake Geneva commercial effort has attracted industry attention. The summer 2024 campaign was nominated for an Emmy recognizing outstanding achievement for a single spot commercial by the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Ironically, when Discover Mediaworks’ Josh Ostermann received the first notification of the recognition, awards chair Shannon Steffke wrote, “I do think it’s interesting, the judges did not know who he (Donald Driver) was. They thought you just cast the perfect man to share Lake Geneva’s offerings.”
“Here in Wisconsin, no one needs to be reminded that Donald Driver was a star during some of the Green Bay Packers’ best years,” Klett said. “The judges got it right that we cast the perfect man for the job. His genuine heart and magnetic presence have made him one of Wisconsin’s most beloved figures.”
