Annual Awards for Communications Excellence

Entering AACE – Things to Know First

  • The only thing better than one AACE trophy – is two.
  • Deadline – usually March 1; judging - mid to late March
  • Any regular company member may enter.
  • Restrictions: A company may not be a Top Winner more than once each year.
    They can be a Runner Up Winner & a Top Winner, or Runner Up in several categories. They cannot win the same top award two years in a row. No such restrictions apply to Runner Up Winners.
  • You will be judged on ESOP/Ownership communications, not on products.
  • Materials are returned if you request it. (Do not send anything you cannot replace)
  • Entering AACE provides an opportunity to review your current communications program, look over the past, and plan for the future, in an organized way. It is a way of providing an illustrated, written record, over many years.
  • Come to the National Conference in May and you will be able to see what others have done, “borrow” (and improve on) good ideas, and meet and interact with other creative people in your field. Start to establish your own communications network, sparked by the knowledge, experience, and creativity of many.

Organizing Your Entry

Many companies use notebooks to organize their entry, sometimes backing it up with a display board. (Display boards should be of standard size tri-fold as sold in stationary stores, and made of foam core). How you organize is optional, as long as it is clear to the judges. Some organize by categories (newsletters, events, education, etc.) and some chronologically. You only need to send one copy of anything to be considered in whatever categories you wish. Use only ONE entry form, and mark whatever categories are applicable (Total Communications, Written Materials, A/V, Web Site [mark and provide web address] etc.). Label everything with your company name, especially small things. CDs, DVDs (it’s a good idea to provide the player on the disk) and videotapes are acceptable.

How AACE is Judged

There are five judges each year. An effort is made to procure outstanding, knowledgeable people, from different sizes, types and locations of companies, both male and female, and both management and line employee owners. Four judges are new, with the AACE Chair returning for continuity.

The Total Program Awards are judged first, then the individual categories. You may have sent in a total program entry, but your individual items may be judged in their own categories as well. (See Organizing Your Entry above). The judges only know what you tell them, so be clear in your commentary. Anecdotes are welcome! Organization, presentation, free items, etc. count, but above all else is content. The big question is, how are you communicating ownership?

Tips on Winning an AACE

  1. Notice everything you do/have with the words “ESOP” or “Ownership”. Start a file early on, and keep it current.
  2. If you haven’t already done so, start putting “employee owned” on everything; business cards, stationery, invoices, signs, trucks, advertisements, job applications, web sites, flags, product packaging, etc.
  3. Keep a camera on site. Designate a photography buff to take lots of pictures, and put them in the newsletter, on the web, on bulletin boards, & in the AACE entry.
  4. Consider making company events “ESOP” events, such as a picnic or a brown bag lunch, a parade float, or Employee Owners of XYZ Company working for Habitat for Humanity, or the Animal Shelter.
  5. How much and how often the ESOP is mentioned counts, such as in a newsletter, in the educational structure, the brochures, the web site. Does ownership permeate the company culture? Tell the judges.
  6. In printed materials, clear, easy to read information and good graphic design counts (not necessarily expense). Ownership communication content is paramount.
  7. Education about ESOP counts. The more informative, fun and creative the better.
  8. Tap into your funny, creative people. Fun and good humor are very powerful. Best of all, upper management with a sense of humor is invaluable, a huge asset.
  9. Consideration for the employee owner counts. Respectful feedback for suggestions is important. Is there a forum for concerns? Write it up as an asset.
  10. Employee owner involvement in the ownership aspect of the company, as well as in actually preparing the AACE entry counts.

Not an AACE Tip, But Important

  • Setting up lines of communication and building credibility in the good times makes it far easier to communicate in the bad times. Honesty is important.
  • Not communicating is still saying something.
  • According to research, ESOP companies who communicate ownership well are among the most productive companies.