Clayton Communication And Outreach Department Celebrates Multiple Awards And National Recognition

CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton’s Communication & Outreach Department is being recognized for a year of exceptional achievement, earning multiple statewide awards and national professional recognition for its work in public communication, community engagement, and government transparency.

Most recently the department received four Inspire Awards at the North Carolina Public Relations Society of America’s (NCPRSA) 2025 Strategic Communications Conference in Raleigh in the following categories:

· Media Relations – Town of Clayton Builds Confidence and Clarity through Media Training
· Creative Tactics – “Treat Yo’ Self” Self-Care Day Campaign
· Integrated Communications – Downtown Clayton Social District Launch Campaign
· Public Affairs/Public Service – Clayton4U Educational Video Series

The Town of Clayton’s in-house Media Training Program equips Town leadership to communicate clearly and confidently during media interviews and public events. Through mock interviews, personalized coaching, and tailored messaging strategies, leaders are prepared to navigate challenging questions while building public trust and credibility.

The playful “Treat Yo’ Self” Self-Care Day Campaign encouraged residents to explore local destinations such as The Clayton Center, Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, Town Square, and the Clayton Sculpture Trail. Using humor and nostalgia, the campaign produced one of Clayton’s most engaging videos to date, generating more than 12,000 views and dozens of positive community comments.

The Downtown Clayton Social District Launch Campaign introduced a state-approved area where residents and visitors can enjoy beverages from participating businesses within designated public spaces. A coordinated mix of digital content, social media, print materials, signage, and media outreach resulted in more than 120,000 social media impressions, strong participation from downtown businesses, and positive community feedback.

The department’s Clayton4U Educational Video Series transforms frequently asked questions into easy-to-understand videos, each under 90 seconds and produced entirely in-house. The series breaks down complex local government topics to make information more accessible, efficient, and transparent. In its first year, Clayton4U earned nearly 120,000 views and has become a trusted resource for residents and elected officials alike, praised for its clarity, creativity, and real-world impact.

“These Inspire Awards recognize the creativity, dedication, and strategic brilliance of our Communications & Outreach team, highlighting excellence in public engagement and innovative communication strategies,” said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “They reflect the heart and hustle behind every project. Their work continues to elevate Clayton’s story and strengthen our connection with the community.”

Clayton4U also received recognition on the national stage when the department shared its expertise at the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) 2025 Annual Conference where team members highlighted the series and explored how short-form videos can simplify complex topics, showcase staff, and engage the public effectively.

“Presenting at the 3CMA conference was an incredible opportunity to learn from peers across the country and share the strategies that have been successful here in Clayton,” said Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. “It was a great experience to connect with others in our field, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team and the effort they put into delivering important information to our community in engaging ways.