East Central Energy wins national communication award Wait ‘til 8 logo design honored for excellence
Braham, Minn. - East Central Energy garnered a Spotlight on Excellence Award at the National Rural Electric Association's 2004 Marketing and Communications Excellence Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The NRECA Council of Rural Electric Communicators cited the cooperative's Wait ‘til 8 logo design for communication excellence.

"Our strong commitment to communication begins with our board," says Garry Bye, ECE president and CEO. "Our directors understand how critical it is to communicate effectively with our member-owners, employees and other key constituencies."

With dramatic shifts occurring in the way people access and use information, communicators know it's more important than ever to break through the clutter and get people's attention.

"A strong logo attracts interest and helps people remember brands, products and programs," says Roxanne Fedder, ECE communication coordinator who designed the logo. "Research tells us that we achieved a high level of consumer awareness through our promotion of the Wait ‘til 8 program. We're delighted with the recognition that comes with a national award, but the most important achievement is helping our members learn about a money-saving program."

Wait ‘til 8 is a consumer education campaign conducted by six Minnesota electric cooperatives. To reduce the economic impact of electricity demand peaks on hot summer days, participating cooperatives broadcast radio advisories to let co-op members know they can save money by reducing energy use as much as possible and waiting until 8 p.m. or later to use major appliances.

East Central Energy www.eastcentralenergy.com is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 53,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE also provides Internet and long distance services.