During NTEU's Biannual National Convention in San Francisco a few weeks ago, Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman accepted the First Place Award for Excellence in Chapter Communications. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in overall communications among the hundreds of NTEU chapters, including how well the chapter utilizes various forms of media to reach its audience, the effectiveness of its message, communication results, writing and design. An independent panel of communications professionals from various Washington DC associations judged the award, reviewing the various websites, newsletters and communications techniques of NTEU chapters. Included on the panel was former Washington Post Federal Diary columnist Stephen Barr.

The panel was impressed by Chapter 293's ability to effectively reach SEC employees across the country. “Given the geographic reach of the chapter,” they wrote, the chapter's “communications give all employees access to timely information.”

When she announced the award, NTEU National President Colleen Kelley noted that “Chapter 293's website has extensive and timely information. Its newsletter is comprehensive and well-written with good use of graphics. The chapter even has its own cartoonist who chronicles life at the agency.”

“Substantially improving communications was one of my most important goals when I became the President of Chapter 293,” Gilman recently remarked. “I was delighted to accept this award on behalf of our chapter, which recognizes the effectiveness of our website, our newsletter, Chapter 293 Works, and our other methods of communicating at the SEC. Our communications greatly enhance our ability to represent the interests of SEC employees.”