PACE Award Nominations Open

The Clean Air Campaign, together with the region’s nine transportation management associations and RideSmart, has issued the call for entries for the ninth annual PACE Awards. The PACE Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s best workplaces for commuters. Employers, property management companies and individuals across the region are honored for their commitment and leadership in promoting commute alternatives. Last year, more than 500 business and community leaders attended the luncheon.

Award entry forms are now available at The Clean Air Campaign’s website, www.CleanAirCampaign.com, or by calling 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624). Winners will be announced at the 2008 PACE Awards luncheon, which will be held on Thursday, October 16, at the Georgia Aquarium. The deadline for all submissions is August 27.

Award categories include:

· The PACE Awards for overall employer programs, which include five categories: small business, medium business, large business, public sector (government) and property management company.
· The PACE Setter Award for an individual who has a hands-on role in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality by promoting, developing or maintaining effective employer-based programs.
· The PACE Innovator Award recognizes an employer or property management company that has developed an innovative solution to an air quality/traffic-related problem.
· The PACE Spotlight Award recognizes a program that has achieved success for one specific program element (e.g. vanpooling or teleworking).
· The PACE Starter Award recognizes an outstanding commute options program that is less than 18 months old.
· The Commuter Champion Award presented to an individual who does not have an official responsibility to develop or execute commute options programs, but who has made significant contributions in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality by promoting commute options to his/her peers.
· The GDOT Commissioner’s Award presented to an individual who has shown exemplary commitment to the improvement of air quality and traffic congestion. The award specifically recognizes the role of community leaders, corporate executives and other individuals who have used their influence to change attitudes and develop solutions.

“The PACE Awards identify the region’s best workplaces for commuters and recognize those who take a leadership role in addressing traffic congestion and air quality issues,” said Kevin Green, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you for making a difference.’”

2007 PACE Award winners included Image Information; RSUI Group, Inc.; Delta Air Lines, Inc.; U.S. General Services Administration; Hines – Perimeter Summit; Green Express; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; Foodbuy, LLC; Margie Butler of Mirant; David Allman of Regent Partners, LLC; and Paige Medina.