Exchange Recognized for Social Media Innovation for ‘Chief Chat’
The Exchange has been honored by PRNEWS for its ongoing Facebook Live series, “Chief Chat.” The Exchange was named a 2021 Digital + Social Media Award honorable mention winner for Best Use of Facebook for community engagement.
PRNEWS is a public relations industry leader in professional development, community, events, awards and communications resources. The award honored the Exchange as an esteemed innovator for organic nonpaid communication, which has reached millions of Facebook users around the world.
“‘Chief Chat’ brings exclusive content straight to Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and the military community,” said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor and host of “Chief Chat.” “While this award is a great acknowledgement of the team’s innovation and agility, we would be remiss if we didn’t vocally thank the Exchange’s previous Senior Enlisted Advisor, Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, for all the work he did early in the pandemic to make this effort a success.”
“Chief Chat” began when the COVID-19 pandemic broke and Exchange in-store events were suspended. The Corporate Communication team quickly worked to virtually connect with the military community to provide a morale boost and community connections. Sixteen months and more than 120 chats later, the show continues to bring Exchange shoppers together with great guests and each other, reaching more than 4.3 million viewers to date.
In addition to the biggest names in film, sports and music, “Chief Chat” guests have included high-ranking military officials, such as Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon Colon-Lopez and Space Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman and more.
Some of the most popular episodes have been Mark Wahlberg, Matthew McConaughey, Garth Brooks, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mario Lopez, Tom Selleck and Mayim Bialik.
More stars are booked throughout the summer, including violinist Lindsey Stirling and actor Will Arnett. Weekly chats can be seen live at Facebook.com/ShopMyExchange.com. Past episodes, as well as information on upcoming guests, can be found on the Exchange Hub.
