Grays Harbor PUD & Powerful Launch New Intranet to Support Daily Operations
ABERDEEN, WA — Every outage restored, every customer served, and every system maintained depends on the people who make it happen. To support those employees, Grays Harbor Public Utility District (GHPUD) partnered with Powerful to launch a redesigned intranet that strengthens internal communication and supports daily workflows.
The new intranet was developed to make essential tools easier to access, create an intuitive navigation experience, and ensure internal content stays current. From office staff to field crews, the platform provides more than 160 employees with a central hub tailored to their day-to-day responsibilities.
“Thanks to the team who helped make this transition to our new intranet possible,” said Ian Cope, GHPUD Communications and Government Relations Director. “Getting it done right was the goal, and you all made that happen.”
A highlight of the redesign is Powerful’s Resource Directory app, which was customized to fit GHPUD’s document management needs. The directory houses forms, policies, contracts and records in a clean, list-style layout, making it easier to scan large volumes of files. An added form number field reflects GHPUD’s internal filing system, giving staff an efficient way to identify and retrieve documents without unnecessary scrolling.
“The collaboration between the Grays Harbor team and the Powerful team was inspiring,” said Nikki Vanderkooi, Powerful Content Strategist. “With an intranet, it truly takes the trifecta of design, strategy and content working together to create a space that’s as functional as it is meaningful. The Resource Directory—with custom integrations—played a key role, bringing thoughtful organization and intuitive search capabilities that help employees find what they need, fast.”
The intranet also features a dashboard-style homepage with quick entry points to high-use tools such as the Employee Directory, Policies & Procedures, Forms & Documents Library and Cloud Portal. News and safety updates are displayed front and center through integrated apps, ensuring staff see timely information each time they log in.
“Working with GHPUD was such a thoughtful and collaborative process,” said Leanna Thesken, Powerful Senior Implementation Specialist. “Their team had a clear vision for how the intranet should support their day-to-day workflows, and together we were able to shape something that genuinely fits them. We really dove into the details to make sure the design and functionality would make their work easier and more connected. It’s exciting to see how this new intranet will support their team for years to come.”
The launch of the intranet builds on GHPUD and Powerful’s ongoing partnership, following the successful redesign of the utility’s public-facing website. Together, the teams have created websites that strengthen communication, streamline operations and support the employees who power Grays Harbor County every day.
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered websites for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and advanced technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences. Specializing in functionality, visitor experience, and accessibility, Powerful tailors each project to the unique needs of their clients, ensuring websites are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing websites, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each client, crafting solutions that foster meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through a meticulous design process and commitment to excellence, Powerful helps utilities connect more effectively with their communities, providing websites that both inform and inspire.
About Grays Harbor PUD
Grays Harbor Public Utility District (GHPUD) serves Grays Harbor County, Washington, with a team of more than 160 employees dedicated to delivering reliable, high-quality utility services and supporting their local communities.
