West Virginia American Water Receives ‘Best of West Virginia’ Award for Outstanding Crisis Communication Plan
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Aug. 16, 2023) – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) West Virginia Chapter has recognized West Virginia American Water with the prestigious ‘Best of West Virginia’ silver award for their exemplary crisis communication plan in response to the February 2023 East Palestine, OH train derailment that impacted the company’s Cabell and Wayne County customers.
The PRSA West Virginia Chapter's competitive awards program seeks to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of public relations practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional skills and innovation in their campaigns. Among numerous outstanding entries, West Virginia American Water stood out in their response to the East Palestine, OH train derailment.
"We are thrilled to honor West Virginia American Water's external affairs team for their exceptional crisis communication plan," stated Jordan Ferrell, president of the PRSA West Virginia Chapter. "Their dedication to effective communication, quick response and strategic planning during a crisis is truly commendable. The team's efforts have set a benchmark for excellence in the field of public relations in West Virginia."
West Virginia American Water's crisis communication plan during the East Palestine, OH train derailment effectively managed the flow of information, enabled public safety and maintained transparent communication with the community. The team's quick response and strategic approach showcased their commitment to serving the public interest during times of crisis.
West Virginia American Water received an additional PRSA Crystal Award in Crisis Communication for the train derailment response, as well as Awards of Merit in Media Relations for their launch of the customer advisory map, Events Seven Days or Less for their commemoration of Source Water Protection week and Internal Communications for their imPACT Culture Team.
"We are humbled and honored to receive these prestigious industry awards, including the 'Best of West Virginia' silver award from the PRSA West Virginia Chapter," said Megan Hannah, senior manager of government and external affairs at West Virginia American Water. "Our external affairs team remains committed to upholding the highest standards of crisis communication and public relations, contributing to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve."
About West Virginia American Water West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 587,000 people.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 560,000 people. For more information, visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com and follow West Virginia American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Aug. 16, 2023) – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) West Virginia Chapter has recognized West Virginia American Water with the prestigious ‘Best of West Virginia’ silver award for their exemplary crisis communication plan in response to the February 2023 East Palestine, OH train derailment that impacted the company’s Cabell and Wayne County customers.
The PRSA West Virginia Chapter's competitive awards program seeks to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of public relations practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional skills and innovation in their campaigns. Among numerous outstanding entries, West Virginia American Water stood out in their response to the East Palestine, OH train derailment.
"We are thrilled to honor West Virginia American Water's external affairs team for their exceptional crisis communication plan," stated Jordan Ferrell, president of the PRSA West Virginia Chapter. "Their dedication to effective communication, quick response and strategic planning during a crisis is truly commendable. The team's efforts have set a benchmark for excellence in the field of public relations in West Virginia."
West Virginia American Water's crisis communication plan during the East Palestine, OH train derailment effectively managed the flow of information, enabled public safety and maintained transparent communication with the community. The team's quick response and strategic approach showcased their commitment to serving the public interest during times of crisis.
West Virginia American Water received an additional PRSA Crystal Award in Crisis Communication for the train derailment response, as well as Awards of Merit in Media Relations for their launch of the customer advisory map, Events Seven Days or Less for their commemoration of Source Water Protection week and Internal Communications for their imPACT Culture Team.
"We are humbled and honored to receive these prestigious industry awards, including the 'Best of West Virginia' silver award from the PRSA West Virginia Chapter," said Megan Hannah, senior manager of government and external affairs at West Virginia American Water. "Our external affairs team remains committed to upholding the highest standards of crisis communication and public relations, contributing to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve."
About West Virginia American Water West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 587,000 people.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 560,000 people. For more information, visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com and follow West Virginia American Water on Twitter and Facebook.