HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — The City of Hickory’s Office of Communications has received two national honors for its marketing and communications work.

The city was recognized September 10 by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association, known as 3CMA, receiving a first-place Savvy Award and a third-place Award of Excellence.

Hickory received the first-place Savvy Award in the Marketing and Tools — Economic Development category for MyHKY.com, a website designed to showcase Hickory and attract individuals and businesses looking to call the city home, visit, pursue a career or education, or start a business.

Judges praised the project for its presentation and functionality. MyHKY.com was also nominated for 3CMA’s Diamond Award, the organization’s highest honor recognizing the best entry across major categories.

The city also earned a third-place Award of Excellence in Graphic Design — Publications for the 2025 edition of its Creating Hickory Magazine. The publication highlights Hickory through storytelling and photography and is distributed through multiple channels to support business recruitment, community engagement, tourism and the city’s position as a destination.

The awards were presented during 3CMA’s annual conference. More than 1,200 entries were submitted across 37 categories this year.

Hickory Communications and Marketing Manager Dana Kaminske was also appointed to the 3CMA Board of Directors during the organization’s business meeting on September 11. She will serve a three-year term as part of the Class of 2029.

3CMA represents more than 2,100 local government communications professionals nationwide.