PP&L, Inc., has won a national economic development award for an advertising campaign that spotlights the unique culture and history of central eastern Pennsylvania.

The Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED) presented a "Silver Award" to PP&L, Inc. for its "Pennsylvania Heritage" ad campaign, which combines images of covered bridges, horse-drawn buggies and hex signs with those of satellite dishes and fiber-optic cables. The innovative ads, which appear in economic development publications, promote the region's unique blend of 19th century tradition and 21st century technology.

"We know that the culture and history of central eastern Pennsylvania, combined with the excellent location and work force of this region, give companies that locate here a competitive edge," said Donna Buchheit, Economic Development manager for PP&L, Inc. "We're pleased that CUED has recognized the effectiveness of our program."

CUED is a national organization of economic development professionals. Each year, the organization presents marketing awards in five categories to economic development groups.

Advertising is just one of the many ways PP&L, Inc. supports economic development in the communities it serves.

"PP&L, Inc. has been an important contributor to community and economic development for decades," Buchheit said. "Our economic development program is among the most comprehensive of any utility in the country. It starts in the communities of central eastern Pennsylvania and extends around the world."

PP&L, Inc. provides confidential assistance to companies looking for new plant locations and partnership programs that support local and regional economic development groups.

Over the past three years, PP&L, Inc's economic development group has worked with state and local economic development groups in attracting more than 60 new businesses to the region, including some from overseas. Those businesses created nearly 7,000 new jobs, Buchheit noted.