The Valley Chronicle - WRCOG Recognized with Multiple Regional and Statewide Awards for Innovation, Sustainability, and Communications Excellence

WRCOG Manager of Communications & External Affairs Bonnie Woodrome; WRCOG Deputy Executive Director Chris Gray; WRCOG Program Manager Daniel Soltero; WRCOG Communications Analyst Nikki Fay; WRCOG Chair and Western Water Director Brenda Dennstedt; WRCOG Second Vice Chair and City of Beaumont Council Member Mike Lara.

Riverside, Calif. –  Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) received three recognitions for its leadership in sustainability, regional collaboration, and public engagement, which were presented at the December 1 Executive Committee meeting.

The Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) Energy Fellowship Program was awarded Best Sustainable and Green Development Program by the Inland Empire Economic Partnership at its 13th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards. This award honors programs that bridge economic development and environmental sustainability through efforts such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, and green infrastructure. I-REN’s Fellowship Program stood out for its ability to build talent pipelines, expand workforce capacity, and support agencies across the region in meeting California’s clean energy goals.

I-REN also received the Environmental Champion Leadership Award from Green Technology at the Green California Schools and Higher Education Summit. This award recognizes organizations that demonstrate meaningful, measurable achievements in advancing California’s sustainability efforts.

In addition, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Inland Empire Chapter presented WRCOG with the Polaris Award for its Executive Committee feature video debuted at this year’s General Assembly. Competing against four peer agencies, WRCOG earned the top honor for a video that captivated a live audience of more than 800 regional leaders and delivered impressive digital results—tripling its click-through rate, increasing viewer duration, and receiving outstanding feedback across platforms.

“These awards reflect the dedication, creativity, and commitment of our team and partners,” said WRCOG Chair Brenda Dennstedt. “From advancing sustainability through I-REN to strengthening how we share our work with the public, these recognitions underscore the meaningful impact regional collaboration can achieve.”

This year marks several firsts for WRCOG, including its inaugural recognition from both the Inland Empire Economic Partnership’s Red Tape to Red Carpet Awards and the Green Technology Awards program. The Polaris Award from the PRSA Inland Empire Chapter represents one of several communications award from the organization, underscoring continued excellence in storytelling and public engagement. Together, these recognitions highlight the growing regional and statewide impact of WRCOG’s programs and partnerships.