Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative Earns Honors in Creative Media for Educational Outreach

Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative Earns Prestigious Awards

The Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC825) has made a remarkable impact in the media landscape, garnering a series of prestigious awards for its communications and educational outreach initiatives. Recently, this New Jersey-based organization received a slew of honors, including the International QUESTAR Festival Grand Award, and multiple accolades from the Telly and Hermes Creative Awards.

Mark Longo, the Executive Director of ELEC825, expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming response to their education-driven programs. He noted, "We always knew there was an opportunity to better educate the public about our critical infrastructure systems, the workers who build them, and how they impact our daily lives. We never imagined how the program would take off or the amount of recognition it would receive this quickly." His sentiments underline the importance of communicating the intricate links between infrastructure and daily life.

Elec825’s award-winning initiative, Our Infrastructure Matters, received the top honor in the Non-Profit Organizations division, highlighting the program's effectiveness in delivering critical messages about infrastructure. The organization earned three Gold Awards, a Silver, and a Bronze Award across various categories, underscoring their diverse achievements in creative media.

The Telly Awards honored ELEC825 with two notable Gold Awards for its content, including the segments Understanding New Jersey's Natural Gas Infrastructure and Method to the Madness: NJ Roads Are Anything But Boring. The recognition from the Telly Awards not only establishes ELEC825’s credibility in the industry but also reflects the high-quality storytelling and engaging content produced.

Mike Makarski, the External Affairs Director of ELEC825, emphasized the collaborative effort that goes into creating these educational pieces. He stated, "To be recognized by the Telly Awards, Questar Awards, and Hermes Creative Awards in the same year is incredibly exciting. It speaks to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved in these projects." By articulating complex subjects like energy and infrastructure in relatable stories, their media productions foster understanding and appreciation among the public and other stakeholders.

In addition to the recognition from Telly and Questar, ELEC825 also celebrated receiving two Gold Hermes Creative Awards for its segment on natural gas infrastructure—another testament to its standout performances in the creative industry.

The productions under ELEC825—including Understanding New Jersey's Natural Gas Infrastructure, Method to the Madness, and The Power Behind the Switch—not only inform but also inspire policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. The organization aims to increase awareness about vital infrastructure systems, which are critical for economic growth and quality of life.

Founded in 2012, ELEC825 unites over 8,000 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and 1,000 union contractors, focusing on labor-management cooperation to bolster regional economic development. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, from chambers of commerce to industry coalitions, to advocate for effective policies that promote responsible economic growth.

As ELEC825 forges ahead, its commitment to education and communication in the realm of infrastructure remains unwavering. The accolades received not only validate their efforts but also motivate them to continue their mission of connecting people with the intricate systems that support society. With an ongoing dedication to excellence in communication, ELEC825 is set to illuminate critical conversations surrounding infrastructure, economics, and community well-being.