Wake Forest recognized with Truliant Collaboration of the Year Award

On Aug. 18, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. recognized Wake Forest with the 2026 Truliant Collaboration of the Year Award during its annual State of the Economy luncheon.

The award recognizes the visionary partnership that brought the German National Team’s base camp to Winston-Salem. Vice President of Hospitality and Auxiliary Services John Wise, Executive Associate AD for Capital Projects and Operations Craig Zakrzewski, and The Graylyn Estate Director of Sales and Marketing Alex Collins accepted the honor on behalf of Wake Forest.

The historic collaboration generated over $10 million in direct economic impact for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, along with an estimated $120 million in global marketing and publicity value. Co-recipients of the award include Visit Winston-Salem, the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and Visit North Carolina—proving what can be achieved when higher education, tourism, economic development, and government unite around a shared vision.