The Town of Clayton Communication and Outreach Department received seven awards from the North Carolina City and County Communicators Excellence in Communications Awards, according to an announcement on April 14. The recognition was given during the annual NC3C state conference held on April 9.
These awards highlight the department’s achievements in various areas of public communication, including creative storytelling, community engagement, and effective use of resources. Projects recognized ranged from public safety initiatives to employee newsletters and community arts programs.
Among the honors were first place for Best Use of Humor (Small Population) with “Blind Date with a Book,” first place for Promotional Video (Small Population) for Water Resources Department Job Openings, third place for Campaign (Small Population) with Black History Month, second place for Brochure (Small Population) with the 2025-2026 Sculpture Trail Brochure, first place for Most Creative with Least Dollars Spent for the 2025 Fire Prevention Week Series, first place for Digital Employee Newsletter with The Clayton Collective, and second place in Regular Programming with Clayton4U Season 2.
“These projects help show the people behind the services and the impact they have on our community,” said Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. “Each story gives residents a better view of how departments work together to serve them.”
Shelton also said that his department is committed to finding new ways to reach audiences: “We are always looking at how people receive information and what makes it easier to understand. That means using different tools, platforms, and creative approaches so we can reach more people in ways that feel relevant to them.”
NC3C supports communication professionals working in local government across North Carolina. Its annual awards program highlights efforts that make information clear and meaningful.
