Arkansas Living Website Brings Home Statewide Editors Association Award of Excellence for Powerful Website
LOUISVILLE, KY — Powerful, a web design and development agency with a hyper focus on the electric cooperative and utility sector is thrilled to announce that the Arkansas Living website, built in collaboration with the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), has received the Award of Excellence for Best Digital Communication from the National Electric Cooperative Statewide Editors Association (SEA). This recognition further highlights Powerful’s ability to create engaging, effective digital experiences for cooperative magazines nationwide.
The Arkansas Living web design, which went live on September 25, 2023, was the result of a close partnership between the Powerful team and the editorial staff of the Arkansas Living magazine. For Caleigh Pickard, the Powerful project manager, this website holds special significance as Arkansas Living serves the cooperatives of her home state, Arkansas. Caleigh’s journey with Arkansas Living runs deep—she was once featured on the cover of the magazine during her time in high school as part of the NRECA Youth Tour program, where she was later named Arkansas’s Youth Leadership Council Delegate.
Caleigh Pickard reflected on the personal importance of the project: “Working on the Arkansas Living website was truly a full-circle moment for me. Having been a part of the Arkansas Youth Tour and featured in the magazine as a high school student, it was an honor to lead the team that brought this site to life. Arkansas has always been home, and creating a site that serves its cooperatives was a project close to my heart. Winning this award from SEA, and hearing such thoughtful feedback from the judges, makes this experience even more meaningful.”
The SEA judges were particularly impressed with the site’s design and user experience. One judge noted: “I’m really a fan of the design. Users are hit with your feature story immediately while also having fast drop-down access to all areas of the site. The colors and blocking are incredibly effective and although it’s clean, it still feels homey and not stuffy.”
Charlie Stanley, CEO of Powerful, shared his pride in the project: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see Arkansas Living recognized by SEA. This award is a testament to the hard work of both the Powerful team and the Arkansas Living editorial staff. At Powerful, we strive to create digital spaces that not only serve the cooperative community but also reflect the local culture and values. The judges’ feedback reinforces that we’re on the right path, and we are honored to have partnered with the Arkansas Living team on this project.”
The Arkansas Living website is another in a series of award-winning websites created by Powerful for cooperative organizations. With this recognition, Powerful continues its streak of success, delivering high-quality web designs solutions that resonate with both readers and industry experts alike.
About Arkansas Living
Arkansas Living is the official publication of the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), serving more than half a million readers across the state. Covering local events, energy news, and stories that matter to the Arkansas cooperative community, it is a vital source of information for electric co-op members.
About SEA
The National Electric Cooperative Statewide Editors Association (SEA) represents editors and communication teams from electric cooperative publications across the country. The association’s annual Willie Awards and Awards of Excellence recognize the best in cooperative communication, celebrating excellence in storytelling, digital innovation, and design.
About Powerful
Powerful is website design agency known for creating innovative, accessible, and human-centered websites for utility organizations and beyond. By focusing on fostering strong partnerships and creating digital experiences that resonate with local communities, Powerful has earned a reputation for excellence in the cooperative sector.
