iEfficient Water Conservation Campaign Receives National Recognition

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- iEfficient, a collaborative conservation campaign developed by water agencies and cities throughout Southern California's Inland Empire, is a finalist for three American Business Awards for its efforts to help end water waste as the state faces its fourth consecutive year of drought.

The iEfficient program was developed in early 2014 by Inland Empire water agencies, cities, and communications consulting firm CV Strategies (cvstrategies.com). The goal: change the way local families and businesses think about and use water. Over the course of the past year, more than 20 public agencies have united to raise conservation awareness and share the tools and practical information needed to save. 

Outreach efforts have included a wide variety of methods in both English and Spanish used throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including: a custom website (iEfficient.com) and interactive web tools; an extensive social media campaign; a water waste reporting app; media engagement; advertising on billboards, buses, radio and the web, as well as in theaters, newspapers and magazines; direct customer contact tools such as mailers and bill inserts; and participation in dozens of community events over the course of the campaign. The campaign's content focuses on drought and conservation awareness, outdoor conservation strategies, and connecting customers to their water providers for rebates and other tools.

"The nearly two dozen agencies participating in the iEfficient program are honored by the campaign's national recognition," said Doug Headrick, general manager of San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water Department. "These awards affirm the importance of education and collaboration as we work to build a sustainable water future for communities across the Inland Empire."

The American Business Awards, also known as the Stevie® Awards, are the world's premier business awards. Created in 2002 to honor the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals around the globe, these awards are judged by many of the world's most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business educators.

iEfficient is a finalist for the following Stevie® Awards: Community Relations Communications or PR Campaign of the Year; Public Service Communications or PR Campaign of the Year; and Utilities Website. The awards will be presented at the American Business Awards Banquet in Chicago on June 22, 2015, where iEfficient will go home with Bronze, Silver or Gold awards in all nominated categories.

SOURCE iEfficient