Welcome! The Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives (AREA) is a member-owned federation of 22 electric distribution cooperatives.

AREA publications win two CCA awards

AREA publications won two national awards Cooperative Communicators Association Educational Institute in early June in Baton Rouge, La.

“The Best of Alabama Living Cookbook” won second place in the miscellaneous print category (first place went to Cullman EC’s 80th anniversary book, “Along These Lines.”) Alabama Living also won third place in the member magazine category, and was the only electric cooperative statewide magazine to place in that category.

“We were gratified to be the only statewide electric cooperative magazine honored in this category,” says Vice President of Communications Lenore Vickrey, who accepted both awards at the meeting. “It is a testimony to the hard work by the talented communicators at our statewide office and our local communicators who work every day to tell the stories of our rural electric cooperatives.”

Regarding the cookbook award, Vickrey quips, “If we had to be bested by someone, at least it was one of our own. Cullman did a beautiful job with its 80th anniversary book.”

Professional communicators representing cooperatives from across the United States and Canada submitted nearly 600 entries in the competition. The awards recognize the best in writing, photography, programs and projects, and publications.

The four-day educational program included a variety of professional development sessions ranging from effective social media tactics and video production, to photography tips and writing workshops.

CCA is an organization of 300 professionals who communicate for cooperatives. The organization is unique in both its mission and membership. CCA works toward helping members excel in communications — from writing, photography, and editing to video, layout and design. Just as important, CCA emphasizes ideas and strategies aimed at making communications more successful for cooperatives.