7 Awards Highlight Clayton’s Success In Public Communication

CLAYTON, NC – The Town of Clayton Communication and Outreach Department is the recipient of seven awards from the North Carolina City and County Communicators Excellence in Communications Awards.

The awards were presented during the annual NC3C state conference on Thursday, April 9. These honors recognize strong and creative work in public communication across the state. Clayton earned top recognition in several categories for projects that inform, engage, and connect with the community – including:

• First Place, Best Use of Humor (Small Population): Blind Date with a Book

• First Place, Promotional Video (Small Population): Water Resources Department Job Openings

• Third Place, Campaign (Small Population): Black History Month

• Second Place, Brochure (Small Population): 2025-2026 Sculpture Trail Brochure

• First Place, Most Creative with Least Dollars Spent: 2025 Fire Prevention Week Series

• First Place, Digital Employee Newsletter: The Clayton Collective

• Second Place, Regular Programming: Clayton4U, Season 2

The awarded projects highlight a wide range of topics from public safety and employee communication to arts and community programs.

“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 added that the department continues to explore new ways to connect with audiences.

“We are always looking at how people receive information and what makes it easier to understand,” said Shelton. “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 who work in local government across North Carolina. The annual awards highlight projects that share information in clear and meaningful ways.