Electric Co-op Today

He’s every bit as iconic as Colonel Sanders or the NBC peacock. And over the years, Willie Wiredhand has been found in many places—be it flying over Baghdad or getting down at the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Willie Wiredhand is a hit on Facebook. (Photo By: NRECA)

Now, as he nears his 60th birthday, Willie can add another distinction: Facebook phenom.

The electric co-op mascot made his debut on the social networking Web site last year. Today, with nearly 600 online fans and counting, Willie’s Facebook site has mushroomed into an interactive marketing marvel.

The idea for virtual Willie came from NRECA’s Kristin Bennani, who was looking for ways to cut promotional expenses while marketing the annual Willie Wiredhand Christmas ornaments.

Electric co-op folks have always had a soft spot for the pronged-footed mascot, but “I was really surprised,” by the Facebook response, said Bennani, a marketing associate. “It’s more than the ornaments. It’s people talking to each other and a place for them to connect.”

As a monitor of the site who responds to posts as Willie himself, Bennani strives to keeps fans engaged. A recent “Where’s Willie” feature was popular. Images included scenes of Willie cavorting in office lobbies, riding in parade floats—even adorning a lineworker’s arm as a tattoo.

In the Baghdad photo, Willie perches on the dashboard of an E-8C Joint Star piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark Weber. A consumer-member of Flint Energies, Reynolds, Ga., Weber is preparing to land the plane in Baghdad, after flying from the United States.

This year, Bennani—or Facebook Willie—plans to invite fans, many of whom collect Willie-themed memorabilia, to help design the 2010 Christmas ornament. The winning “concept” will form the basis for the design.

Said Bennani: “We’re giving fans an all-Willie platform.”

Tags: Co-op News, Social Media