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  • “Shaping the Future” earns national award

    • “Shaping the Future” earns national award

    December 10, 2025

    Heartland Energy’s 2024 annual report recognized by APPA

    Heartland Energy has once again been recognized on the national stage for outstanding communication.

    Our 2024 Annual Report: Shaping the Future earned an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award from American Public Power Association.

    APPA’s annual awards honor public power utilities that tell stories in clear, creative and engaging ways. Utilities across the country submit their best work in three categories: Web/Social Media, Video, and Print and Digital.

    Heartland’s report received an Award of Merit in the Web/Social Media category. It was judged on design, ease of use, innovation, engagement and overall impact.

     

    Highlighting a year of strategic growth

    Heartland’s 2024 report focused on the development and launch of our new strategic plan. It also showcased how staff began putting that plan into action throughout the year.

    Published as a website, the report features short, easy-to-read sections, infographics and links to newsroom stories. This format and design allows readers to explore content at their own pace in a simple, engaging way.

    The report was created entirely in-house by Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland and Communications Specialist Danielle Kearin. It remains accessible online to anyone interested in Heartland’s financial strength and long-term direction.

    Heartland Communications Specialist Danielle Kearin, left, and Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland pose with their 2025 Award of Merit.

    Sharing expertise on the national stage

    Heartland joined 52 public power systems in earning an APPA communications award in 2025. Recipients were recognized during APPA’s recent Customer Connections Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    In addition to receiving the award, Heartland was invited to help teach excellence.

    Hyland was selected to speak during the conference’s breakout session, “Elevated Excellence: Showcasing Communications Awards Winners.” She joined experts from other utilities to share insights about what made their respective communications projects successful.

    Hyland walked attendees through Heartland’s process for crafting award-winning reports. She also highlighted Heartland’s evolution in report design from printed books to web format.

    Hyland shared insight into developing Heartland’s annual reports during a breakout session at APPA’s 2025 Customer Connections Conference.

    Tradition of award-winning reports

    his year’s honor adds another milestone to Heartland’s growing list of achievements.

    Heartland’s annual reports have been recognized by APPA seven times in the past decade.

    Previous honors include:

    The recognition speaks to Heartland’s ongoing commitment to openness, innovation and meaningful engagement.

    “The real reward is knowing our customers feel informed and supported,” Hyland said.

    View Heartland’s 2024 Annual Report here.