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CPU’s Bright Future Initiative Wins National Honors from APPA

Utility among select group of public power electric utilities recognized at conference

Clarksdale Public Utilities has earned an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award from the American Public Power Association for its Bright Future customer initiative.

Earning top honors in the web/social media category, CPU was among a select group of public power electric utilities and utility organizations being recognized for excellence in communications at APPA’s recent Customer Connections Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The annual awards program is judged in three categories: print/digital, web/social media, and video. Awards were given to those that showed ingenuity and creativity in telling their stories through outstanding copy, design, financial data presentation, graphics, social media engagement, video editing, and web layout and interactivity.

“Receiving one of APPA’s top awards is not only a tremendous honor but also a humbling surprise,” said CPU General Manager Curtis D. Boschert. “The abundance of utility communicators working across the nation makes earning this award all the more special.”

Introduced in 2019 as part of CPU’s 120th anniversary, Bright Future is a comprehensive strategy to increase customer satisfaction by addressing performance in three key areas — reliability, innovation, and community focus.

The overall strategic approach behind the initiative focuses on creating an energizing theme and set of messages that position CPU as a forward-thinking utility committed to top-notch service and innovation for today and tomorrow.

“The fact that we can tie the Bright Future initiative to tangible results like increased customer satisfaction speaks to the power of storytelling,” said Boschert. “Our customers have responded positively to messages about their utilities and how we are working every day to improve the service and support we provide for the community.”

Three years since launching Bright Future, CPU remains focused on customer commitments by improving performance, enhancing service, and delivering safe, reliable and affordable utilities to keep Clarksdale moving forward.

“Communicating with all of our stakeholders is essential in carrying out our mission as a utilities provider and a partner in Clarksdale’s growth and success,” said Boschert. “We plan to build on the momentum of our Bright Future initiative by finding new ways to strengthen our connections with customers and the community we serve.”

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.