We are thrilled to announce that Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) has been honored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in its annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards. Through UEC's communication practices, the cooperative clinched multiple accolades, including 2 prestigious gold awards and 2 silver awards.
NRECA reported a record number of entries for this year's program, as over 800 entries were received from cooperatives across the U.S. Among those, UEC was recognized with the following:
Gold Awards
- Internal Communications: The cooperative's internal newsletter, "The Current," received a gold award for its impact in disseminating information and employee activities within the cooperative.
- Long Form Video: As UEC continues to look for new talent, a recruitment video was created as a partnership between the Human Resources and Public Relations staff, highlighting the benefits of working for the cooperative and aiming to attract new talent.
Silver Awards
- Most Innovative Use of Digital Engagement: UEC's monthly e-newsletter stood out, securing a silver award for its informative and engaging content, keeping members informed and connected.
- Best Strategic Communications Campaign: UEC's 2023 campaign, "Our Power is People," resonated with the judges, earning UEC another silver award for its innovative approach to community engagement and empowerment. Check out the video archive from the Our Power is People campaign.
This recognition from NRECA underscores UEC's dedication to excellence in communication and service to its members. It reflects the hard work and creativity of UEC's team in delivering impactful messaging and fostering meaningful connections within the community.
"We are incredibly proud to receive these awards from NRECA," said Weston Putman, manager of public relations at Umatilla Electric Cooperative. "This recognition is a testament to our team's commitment to delivering exceptional communication and service to our members."
The awards spotlight innovation, creativity, and effectiveness in communicating messages to cooperative members and communities, reinforcing the cooperative's commitment to excellence.