The Westmoreland Conservation District’s communications efforts have been named the best in the United States by the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

The joint award for Excellence in Communications was made at NACD’s annual meeting on February 1 in Houston, Texas was accepted by District Vice Chairman Ron Rohall.

The judges evaluated entries from all over the nation for their effective use of a variety of communications media, including newsletters, special publications, media, and campaigns.

Some of the specific communication items for which the Westmoreland Conservation District was recognized include its newsletter, Landmarks; its most recent annual report, which featured a driving tour of conservation sites in Westmoreland County; and the wide variety of communications that promote its conservation-education program.

“Our board of directors recognizes the importance of communications and has made a solid commitment to these endeavors,” said Greg Phillips, district manager and CEO. “At the Board’s direction, we did a lot of work in 2005 to evaluate all of our communications efforts… and we enlisted the help of a variety of professionals – including a newly formed volunteer committee of communications experts – to help us make some subtle but important changes that increased their effectiveness. This award is strong validation that we are on the right track.”

The primary communications team includes Phillips; Mark Jackson, visual communications specialist; and Karen Jurkovic, communications consultant. The communications advisory team also includes: Ted Kopas, John Turack, and Anita Foriska.

Interested individuals can sign up to receive District communications free-of-charge by calling the organization at 724-837-5271 or visit the Westmoreland Conservation District website.

2/3/2006