Umatilla Electric Cooperative was awarded six communications awards at the Northwest Public Power Association's (NWPPA) 32nd Annual Northwest Innovations in Communications (NIC) Conference in Whitefish, Mont. on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Nine marketing and communications professionals from throughout the Northwest volunteered their time to judge each entry. From the record-breaking number of entries in the contest, Umatilla Electric placed in six of nine total categories in their division:
- First Place Internal Communications
- First Place Social Media
- First Place Special Publication (2024 Photo Calendar)
- Second Place Newsletter (Ruralite)
- Second Place Video (2024 UEC Year in Review)
- Third Place Advertising Campaign (Get the Scoop on Your Co-op)
All submissions in the contest were original materials published, produced, or distributed for the first time during 2024.
Earlier in the year, UEC was also honored with six national communications awards by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Spotlight on Excellence Awards, totaling twelve communications awards in 2025.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from our peers and experts in the industry,” says Weston Putman, manager of public relations. “Our team's goal is simple - to keep members connected, informed, and confident in their cooperative. These awards reflect the dedication of our team to provide clear, consistent communication that puts our members first.”
Together, these recognitions highlight UEC’s ongoing commitment to innovation and service to our members.