Virginia Clean Cities has received an Award of Excellence in the Special Events category from the PRSA Tri-Cities PRestige Awards, recognizing the organization’s outstanding public engagement efforts through two impactful transportation events focused on electric mobility and clean transportation education.
The award honored Virginia Clean Cities’ electric vehicle Ride & Drive event hosted at Emory & Henry University along with a regional electric school bus outreach event that highlighted the growing role of zero-emission school transportation across the Mid-Atlantic. These events brought together community members, fleet leaders, educators, public officials and transportation stakeholders to experience advanced vehicle technologies firsthand and learn about the economic, environmental and operational benefits of electrification.
The SWVA event at Emory & Henry University gave attendees the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles, interact with industry experts and explore charging technologies in a hands-on environment. The Plug in America rural event was designed to increase awareness and accessibility of electric transportation options in Southwest Virginia while encouraging conversations about infrastructure, workforce development and energy innovation.
The organization added continued its EV education with an electric school bus event that allowed future teachers, and current Emory & Henry Students, the opportunity to hop on board an EV bus for a first-hand experience.
“Receiving recognition from PRSA Tri-Cities highlights the importance of strategic public engagement in advancing clean transportation solutions in Southwest Virginia,” said VCC Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Southwest Virginia Tarah Kesterson.
The judges commented the events demonstrated a clear understanding of rural audience barriers and perceptions and noted that the hands-on experience was a great way to address misinformation and build understanding.
The PRestige Awards celebrate excellence in communications, marketing and public relations campaigns throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Virginia Clean Cities’ recognition in the Special Events category reflects the organization’s ability to combine education, community engagement and experiential learning to inspire conversations around transportation innovation and sustainability.