Brandi Shramek, member relations supervisor at Jackson Electric Cooperative, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism Award for excellence in the cooperative’s local pages of Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News. This marks the third time Jackson Electric has received the award, most recently winning in 2015.
Presented annually, the award recognizes the electric cooperative whose local magazine pages demonstrate outstanding clarity, relevance, and visual appeal.
Shramek was recognized for compelling storytelling, particularly her ability to balance engaging member profiles and community impact stories with practical energy-related information.
The judge praised her features as “well written, using impactful quotes,” noting that they are “well organized” and “carry the theme of community needs throughout.”
Shramek’s stories frequently spotlight small-business owners, farmers, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in their communities. Common themes include service, resilience, volunteerism, local economic development, and the determination of individuals to identify community needs and find solutions.
The judge also singled out Shramek’s new “Wired Through Time” series, which revisits historical cooperative magazine archives, saying it “bridges the past offerings with interesting historical co-op archives which is fun for the reader.”
Shramek's commitment to member education is also reflected in each issue, which includes information on energy efficiency, safety, billing, or cooperative programs. Jackson Electric's goal for its magazine pages is to entertain, educate, and inform members while strengthening their connection to the cooperative.
Among Wisconsin's electric cooperative communicators, Shramek is respected for her exceptional writing and storytelling abilities, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and willingness to collaborate with colleagues. An accomplished photographer, she also submitted the winning entry in this year's Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News June Dairy Month cover contest (photo right).
In addition to producing the cooperative's magazine pages, Shramek works with Jackson Electric's youth ambassador program and handles many other member relations responsibilities.
Congratulations Brandi and Jackson Electric!