Webinar: ATCO Energy Theatre Super Power!
Community Relations
Monday, January 16, 2012, 2 p.m. EST
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Webinar: ATCO Energy Theatre Super Power!
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| Date: |
Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, 2 p.m. EST |
| Time: |
3 p.m. Atlantic
2 p.m. Eastern
1 p.m. Central
12 p.m. Mountain
11 a.m. Pacific |
| Duration: |
60 minutes |
Business Case
As part of ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric's ongoing commitment to safety education on the hazards of electricity and natural gas in the home, AG/AE developed an "edu-tainment" program meant to educate the most critical of all audiences—young children. After 59 per cent of surveyed teachers in Alberta commented that they did not use the current ATCO Electric teaching resource, AG/AE decided to create an engaging community relations campaign that could be used in the classroom—or stage—to help educate children about hazards and safe practices. ATCO Energy Theatre Super Power! travelled throughout many of AG/AE's service communities.
Target Audience
The campaign was primarily directed towards elementary school principals, teachers and students (with curriculum priority for Grades 4-6). Secondary audiences of this campaign were customers, employees and community media outlets.
Objectives
ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric wanted to make ATCO Energy Theatre Super Power! a better success than previous AG/AE safety education programs. AG/AE's communication goals for its new program were:
- To increase awareness/knowledge of the special properties, hazards and safe practices associated with natural gas and electricity.
- To deliver an educational program that is an effective tool for teaching students in an engaging and appealing manner.
- To contribute positive feelings about AG/AE among primary and secondary audiences.
Result
Was the ATCO Energy Theatre Super Power! a better success that previous AG/AE safety education materials? Were teachers satisfied with the nature and quality of the play?
Gordon Eckert, supervisor, community relations, ATCO Electric
 Gordon's professional background in public relations, communications, advertising and marketing management extends well over 20 years. Since 2004 he has been part of ATCO Gas/ATCO Electric's Corporate Communications management team helping shape the community relations strategy and award winning programs for the two utility companies. Prior to joining the ATCO team, Gordon was regional communications manager for Western Economic Diversification Canada, a federal government department charged with developing and diversifying the western economy as well as delivering the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program. His past experience also includes owning and operating an independent marketing-communications firm, and working in the public affairs departments with Alberta Transportation and TELUS Communications.
Gordon's educational background is well rounded covering off business management and finance, communications with specialist skills in corporate citizenship and public consultation. Formally it includes a Diploma in Business Administration from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (1982), Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations (Honours) at Grant MacEwan College (1990), Certificate in Corporate Community Involvement from the Boston College Carroll School of Management (2007), and Certificate in Public Participation from the International Association of Public Participation (2008).
His extracurricular activities include a lengthy history of community service and leadership. This includes two terms as president of the Canadian Public Relations Society (Edmonton) (2000-2001, 2001-2002), serving on the CPRS National Board of Directors and chairing the National Society's Electronic Communications Task Force. In 2001, CPRS National awarded Gordon the Lamp of Service in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to the public relations profession and the Canadian Public Relations Society across Canada. In 2000, he also played a pivotal role in helping the Edmonton chapter earn the Lectern Award; the Canadian Public Relations Society's highest societal honor. The annual award recognizes the achievements of a local member society for advancing high professional, educational and ethical standards in PR.
Erin Newell-Lupien, communications advisor, community relations, ATCO Gas
 For over 15 years, Erin's career has creatively interlaced the corporate sector and the arts sector. Since 2008, Erin has been a part of the ATCO Gas/ATCO Electric corporate communications department, specifically with the community relations team. While a part of ATCO, Erin has developed positive relations with internal and external clienteles, managed the community relations strategies for over 100 ATCO communities, and co-developed the multi-award winning education program, ATCO Energy Theatre.
Mrs. Newell-Lupien has an extensive background and education in arts management and public relations. Erin obtained her BFA Multidisciplinary degree from the University of Lethbridge (2000), Arts and Cultural Management certificate and several public relations courses from MacEwan College (2001-2003). Previously, Mrs. Newell-Lupien has held many positions in the Edmonton community as general manager for Northern Light Theatre, development officer for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, special events coordinator for The Works International Visual Arts Society and account coordinator for Weber Shandwick Worldwide (Edmonton).
Erin and her husband Mike have an active family with their four children (Emily, Madeleine, Samuel and Alexander). Mrs. Newell-Lupien also sits on the Advancement Committee for the University of Lethbridge, St. Monica school board and is co-producer of the Alberta Emerald Foundation awards presentation. Erin is a member of CPRS and co-produced the opening evening of the Edmonton CPRS National Conference in 2007.
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