The Brighter Future campaign created by Mower for FirstEnergy received two first-place awards at the 95th annual Utility Communicators International (UCI) Better Communications Competition (BCC). Held on June 13 at the annual UCI conference in Austin, TX, the BCC is the oldest awards program for utility communicators. The prestigious competition draws entries from utilities of all sizes, is judged by expert industry peers, and consists of categories across almost all aspects of utility communications.
Brighter Future won both the Television Ad or Online Video—Image or Branding category and the Complete Campaign—Image or Branding category. Following a group of FirstEnergy employees, the campaign details their life experiences, why they chose a career with FirstEnergy, what they value in their career and how their work is building a brighter future for customers and communities served by FirstEnergy.
Dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence, FirstEnergy’s 10 electric utilities form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.
“Mower delivered a campaign that brought FirstEnergy’s mission statement to life through great storytelling,” said Doug Colafella, director, Communications and Branding at FirstEnergy. “It’s gratifying to see industry recognition that builds on the tremendous reception the campaign has also received from our employees. Winning first place in two of the most competitive categories in the awards program is a major accomplishment for all involved.”
One of the largest independent marketing, advertising and public relations agencies in the U.S., Mower’s strategic approach has earned the agency top industry accolades ranging from Clio, Cannes and ANA B2 awards to rankings in AdAge, PR Week, the Chief Marketer 200 and a four-time PR News “Top Places to Work.”
“The Brighter Future campaign is a perfect example of Mower’s Brands as Friend® philosophy at work,” said Stephanie Crockett, executive vice president, managing director for Mower. “We looked at each of these one-of-a-kind stories through the lens of friendship and found ways to share them that built affection, relevance and trust with FirstEnergy’s customers and employees. These are the building blocks of friendship and the cornerstone of our work.”
The agency’s energy and sustainability specialty group works with the world’s largest utility companies, government energy authorities and challenger brand upstarts, providing insights that are grounded in reliable research, a little blue-sky thinking and tons of real-world experience.
