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The Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes exceptional work produced by electric cooperative communication and marketing professionals across the country.
This year, NRECA is revamping the Spotlight on Excellence Awards to showcase the Best Strategic Communications Campaign in five cooperative size categories, ensuring that all co-ops—from the smallest to the largest—receive national recognition for their outstanding contributions to cooperative communications.
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The Spotlight on Excellence Awards will continue to honor the electric cooperatives that go above and beyond in crafting and executing strategic communications campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire. A strong strategic communications campaign is essential to connecting with members, building trust, and advancing the mission of the cooperative.
The top Strategic Communications Campaign will be awarded the Chesnutt Award at the Connect Conference in May of 2026.
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We are excited to announce more improvements to enhance and streamline the entry process, including:
Early Bird Discount
Members who submit their entries between Oct. 20 and Nov. 10 will receive a 20% discount per entry!
Shortened Call for Entries Period
The call for entries period has been shortened to six weeks for the 2026 season. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 20-Dec. 1.
Updated Entry Resources
Be sure to check out all the resources available below, under Helpful Resources!
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Start Your Entry
Access the payment page to start your entry process. If you are unsure about starting the entry process, you may send your questions to the spotlight administrator at
spotlightonexcellence@nreca.coop.
All entries must be submitted using the online submission platform, Award Force. You will receive a link to Award Force in the confirmation email that is sent to you after your payment has been received. Please read all instructions carefully and provide all information requested before proceeding with your submission.
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2025-2026 Entry Info
Early Bird Call for Entries Period and Entry Fee: Oct. 20 to Nov. 10 with a 20% discounted entry fee of $60.
Call for Entries Period: Oct. 20-Dec. 1.
Entry Fee: $75 for all categories, for entries submitted after November 10.
Notification of Entry Status: Week of Mar. 9, 2026.
Award Recognition: Connect Conference, May 5-7, 2025, San Diego, CA.
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Winners of the Spotlight on Excellence Awards represent leading practices across all communication platforms as the best in the field. Their outstanding accomplishments deliver exceptional results and leave a lasting impact that strengthens our entire network.
2025 Awards
View Spotlight on Excellence Award winners and photo galleries from previous years:
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Established in 1987, the Spotlight on Excellence Award program is an initiative of NRECA and the Council of Rural Electric Communicators. Other NRECA/CREC initiatives include:
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