The City of Kannapolis has been recognized with two national SAVVY Awards for its Name the Truck contest by 3CMA. 3CMA, The City-County Communications and Marketing Association, is the nation’s top professional group for government communication and marketing professionals. The awards were presented at 3CMA’s annual conference.
The Savvy Awards recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing, and citizen-government relationships. The awards program salutes skilled and effective city, county, agency, or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.
Kannapolis received two first place Savvys, competing with cities across the nation with populations of 85,000 and under.
The Kannapolis Communications Department, along with Kannapolis Public Works Department was honored with the Savvy First Place Award for the Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent Category and a First Place Award in the Other Marketing Tools category – both for the Name the Truck Contest. The Name the Truck Contest served to recognize the important work that is done daily by each of the trucks in the Transportation and Environmental Services Department. Designs were created to bring the names to life and have been printed, along with the winning child’s name, on each truck. “This was a fun way we could bring attention to the work our staff members do each day to ensure streets and stormwater drains are clear of debris and leaves. We hope that the trucks will make residents smile and think about how important it is to not litter and to help us keep our streets clean,” commented Michael Rattler, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services.
Winning Truck Names Included:
“SWEEPASAURUS”, submitted by Henry & Emily Baros, ages 8 & 6, Homeschooled
“BroomBroom!”, submitted by Abel Moreno, age 7, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“MONSTER LEAF EATER”, submitted by Kendra Lopez Cruz, age 6, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“The Leaf Cyclone”, submitted by Miletus Gaddy, age 8, Homeschooled
“The Klean Machine”, submitted by Caleb Partee, age 9, G.W. Carver Elementary School
“Leaf-o-napolis”, submitted by Kedrick Knox, age 10, Forest Park Elementary School
3CMA was founded in 1988 and with approximately 1,400 members, 3CMA works to connect and further educate government communication and marketing professions across the United States and Canada to effectively showcase the role of local governments in the lives of people.
At the conference Annette Privette Keller, Director of Communications, for the City of Kannapolis was elected President of 3CMA. She has worked in government communications and marketing for over 20 years with organizations.?Keller has previously worked for the Mooresville Graded School District, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, the City of Concord and the Town of Matthews.
In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Keller holds a Master of Public Administration and an advanced certificate in marketing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Keller co-founded and served as president of the N.C. City County Communicators. She volunteers for a number of non-profit and professional organizations including serving as President of the 3CMA Board of Directors, the Rowan County Tourism Board of Directors, Open Government Coalition Board of Directors, and Vice-President of the Kannapolis Education Foundation Board.?
The newly appointed Executive Board and Board of Directors?will play a crucial role in guiding 3CMA’s continued success as they implement a new strategic plan and ensure that its members remain at the forefront of effective and innovative government communication.
The new 2024-2025 3CMA Executive Board members are:
President:?Annette Privette Keller, Director of Communications — City of Kannapolis, NC
President-Elect:?Chris Floore, Chief Communications Officer — Macon-Bibb County, GA
Vice President:?Brian Ligon, Communications & Marketing Director — City of Mont Belvieu, TX
Treasurer:?Renae Jackson, Equity & Engagement Director — City of Decatur, GA
Secretary:?Jay Warren, Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs — City of Arlington, TX
Immediate Past President:?Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director — City of Edina, MN
Executive Director:?Scott Lehtonen — 3CMA
Board of Directors
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
The City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) remains committed to advancing communication and marketing in local governments across the country. With a mission to equip public communicators with essential resources, training, and a collaborative network, 3CMA empowers its members to foster more informed and engaged communities. Membership is open to communication professionals in city and county governments, offering access to invaluable tools and industry-leading best practices.
For more information about membership, please contact Scott Lehtonen by visiting?www.3cma.org.