An independent group of judges selected the winners based on message, creativity, results, call to action or brand connection, and overall impression. Judges included Lucia Riley, SAS Institute; Joshua Olmstead, Paper City Digital; Tracy Gehrts, JobsOhio; and A.J. Schmitz, Progressive Marketing Group Inc. We honored the winners at a special awards session at the E Source Forum 2022.

In early 2013, E Source collected and analyzed substantial quantitative and qualitative 2011 data from 10 small and midsize business (SMB) efficiency programs. We focused on direct-install programs—new and old, basic and comprehensive, large and small—from across the US and Canada. Our benchmarking study reveals that, despite great variation among offerings, small business direct-install (SBDI) programs are worth the effort for administrators. Our study can also serve as a helpful resource for utilities interested in creating new programs or enhancing existing initiatives.