Presenter(s)
Abigail Oldenberg
Abstract
Through analysis rooted in strategic communication theories, this research project focuses on the Minnesota-based nonprofit organization Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). This organization’s purpose is to deliver effective energy solutions to cold-climate states. It makes energy more affordable for residents and businesses, promotes environmental equity, and lowers carbon footprints. This project considers the social and political landscape in the United States and its impact on environmental nonprofits. Given the status of grants allocated for energy efficiency programs, while prioritizing the organization’s business development and growth goals, Center for Energy and Environment must diversify its revenue streams. Primary and secondary research conducted for this project includes annual impact reports, social media and website analytics, and investigating the external environment surrounding the clean energy industry. In 2026, several in-depth interviews with staff revealed CEE’s need for reliable revenue. This research confirmed the hypothesis that as a nonprofit organization with ambitious growth goals, it is necessary for CEE to exceed previous years’ revenue each year going forward, or the organization’s growth goals will be at risk. CEE conducts a majority of its business in the state of Minnesota. Establishing reliable partnerships outside of Minnesota is an essential growth strategy attainable for the organization. Supported by Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Behavioral Public Relations model, this project’s strategic campaign “Hot Like Minnesota” calls for contractors and municipal energy departments across the Midwest to partner with Center for Energy and Environment, emphasizing the ability to save money on energy for commercial and community developments. This campaign and its findings support CEE as the region’s premier energy efficiency organization with unrivaled expertise and experience, which will result in beneficial partnerships and contracts.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Mass Communication
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Stacey Kanihan
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
46
Bring the Heat, Bring the Savings: Supporting Strategic Growth for Minnesota-based Energy Efficiency Nonprofit
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Through analysis rooted in strategic communication theories, this research project focuses on the Minnesota-based nonprofit organization Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). This organization’s purpose is to deliver effective energy solutions to cold-climate states. It makes energy more affordable for residents and businesses, promotes environmental equity, and lowers carbon footprints. This project considers the social and political landscape in the United States and its impact on environmental nonprofits. Given the status of grants allocated for energy efficiency programs, while prioritizing the organization’s business development and growth goals, Center for Energy and Environment must diversify its revenue streams. Primary and secondary research conducted for this project includes annual impact reports, social media and website analytics, and investigating the external environment surrounding the clean energy industry. In 2026, several in-depth interviews with staff revealed CEE’s need for reliable revenue. This research confirmed the hypothesis that as a nonprofit organization with ambitious growth goals, it is necessary for CEE to exceed previous years’ revenue each year going forward, or the organization’s growth goals will be at risk. CEE conducts a majority of its business in the state of Minnesota. Establishing reliable partnerships outside of Minnesota is an essential growth strategy attainable for the organization. Supported by Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Behavioral Public Relations model, this project’s strategic campaign “Hot Like Minnesota” calls for contractors and municipal energy departments across the Midwest to partner with Center for Energy and Environment, emphasizing the ability to save money on energy for commercial and community developments. This campaign and its findings support CEE as the region’s premier energy efficiency organization with unrivaled expertise and experience, which will result in beneficial partnerships and contracts.
