/PRNewswire/ -- In its 26th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE, today announced Morgan Brian of Frederica Academy (St. Simons, Ga.) as its 2010-11 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Brian was surprised with the news in a meeting with her teammates by Atlanta Beat (Women's Professional Soccer) and former U.S. Women's National Team defender Cat Reddick Whitehill, also a two-time Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
"It felt great to surprise Morgan with the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award and welcome her into one of the most prestigious legacy programs in high school sports," said 2004 gold medalist Cat Reddick Whitehill. "Gatorade has been on the sidelines fueling athletic performance for years, so to be recognized by a brand that understands the game and truly helps athletes perform is a huge honor for these kids."
As the recipient of the 230th Gatorade National Player of the Year trophy to be awarded since 1985, Brian becomes the first student-athlete from the state of Georgia to earn Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year honors. Only three other Georgians have earned Gatorade National Player of the Year recognition in any sport—highlighted by NBA superstar Dwight Howard of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (2003-04, Atlanta) and 2011 WNBA Draft No. 1 pick Maya Moore of Collins Hill HS (2006-07, Suwanee).
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Brian as the nation's best high school girls' soccer player. A national advisory panel comprised of sport-specific experts and sports journalists helped select Brian from more than 356,000 girls soccer players nationwide. Brian is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year award, to be presented at a special ceremony prior to The ESPY Awards in July.
The 5-foot-7 senior midfielder led the Knights to a 17-2-1 record and a fourth straight Georgia Independent School Association Class AA state title. Brian scored 71 goals and passed for 30 assists this past season. A two-time Gatorade Georgia Girls Soccer Player of the Year, she was the 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Youth Player of the Year for club competition and the 2010 PARADE National Player of the Year. She recorded 186 goals and 95 assists in her prep soccer career, which began as an 8th grader, helping Frederica Academy to five consecutive state finals. Brian has been a regular call-up to U.S. Soccer's youth national teams, playing in the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2008 and captaining the U.S. U-17s squad in 2010.
Brian has maintained a 3.81 GPA in the classroom, and served as Class President from 2008-10 and Class Secretary from 2006-08. She is also a co-founder and the one of the lead fundraisers for the Many Hearts One Goal Foundation, which won an AT&T National Sportsmanship Award in 2011 for the work done to benefit the Under-17 Haitian Women's National Team displaced by that country's 2010 earthquake. Brian has also volunteered locally on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, the Relay for Life and the Manna House, providing meals for the needy. A member of her local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and Sevenoseven Ministries, a faith-based youth mentoring group, she is also a licensed youth soccer coach, donating her time as an instructor for Florida's Clay County Soccer Club.
"I think she will be an important player with the U.S. Women's National Team moving forward," says Mike Dickey, Technical Advisor for U.S. Soccer. "Her brain is as good as anyone's we have playing that position right now. She's special. If she stays healthy, she's got a chance to be very influential in U.S. Soccer. Her commitment and make-up are tremendous and she continues to make great strides. There's nobody like her."
Brian has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Virginia this fall.
"Without question, Morgan is deserving of recognition as the nation's best high school girls soccer player based on her statistics on the field and the impact her accomplishments have had on Frederica Academy's success," said Gatorade Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing Jennifer Storms. "But she is also a shining example to peers and aspiring young athletes of what a leader and a student-athlete should be. She represents everything we hope for in a Gatorade Player of the Year recipient."
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by ESPN RISE and the Gatorade high school sports leadership team, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.
For more information on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a complete list of former winners, and future announcement dates, visit the Gatorade Player of the Year web site at http://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Gatorade.
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Showing posts with label award. Show all posts
Showing posts with label award. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Congressman John Lewis to Receive the 2011 Louis E. Martin Great American Award from Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
/PRNewswire/ -- The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has announced that it will honor U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) with the 2011 Louis E. Martin Great American Award at its Annual Dinner on May 3 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington.
Congressman Lewis will be recognized for more than 50 years of active service to the cause of human rights, civil liberties and the strengthening of the American community.
The award, named after the legendary journalist, presidential advisor and co-founder of the Joint Center, honors an individual who exemplifies Louis Martin's passion for justice, compassion and the bridging of racial and ethnic divides. Previous award recipients include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and William J. Clinton, Congressmen James E. Clyburn and Charles B. Rangel, Muhammad Ali, lawyer and civil rights leader Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., the late civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy I. Height, and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
A member of the U.S. Congress for nearly a quarter-century, Congressman Lewis first came to national attention as one of the top figures in the civil rights movement, as well as an architect of and keynote speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington. He has served in the House leadership as Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the Democratic Party since 1991 and has been a leading voice on a wide range of domestic and international issues. He has been referred to as "the conscience of the U.S. Congress" and "a genuine American hero and moral leader."
In announcing the selection, Joint Center President and CEO Ralph B. Everett cited Congressman Lewis' legendary courage and leadership in the struggle for full voting rights. "His refusal to flinch in the face of extreme adversity left an indelible mark on our history, and sent an unforgettable message to the world on the intrinsic value of the right to vote and the scope of sacrifice that is often necessary to secure it," he said.
"Today, Congressman Lewis continues to lead by example, working for racial harmony and to inspire all Americans to make the most of their right to engage in the nation's political and civic affairs," he added.
"Congressman Lewis fits well into the pantheon of leaders whom the Joint Center has recognized over the years with this high honor," said Roderick D. Gillum, Chair of the Joint Center's Board of Governors. "Few people in history have contributed more to helping America live up to its cherished ideals, and the difference he has made throughout his career is something that all of us can see and feel in our everyday lives."
Hosted by the Joint Center each year for more than a quarter century and with this year's theme of Forward Together – Engaging Our Future, the Annual Dinner is the organization's major fundraising event of the year and provides an opportunity for a broad range of elected officials, business, civic and community leaders from across the country to celebrate the success of the Joint Center and its impact on the lives of all Americans.
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Congressman Lewis will be recognized for more than 50 years of active service to the cause of human rights, civil liberties and the strengthening of the American community.
The award, named after the legendary journalist, presidential advisor and co-founder of the Joint Center, honors an individual who exemplifies Louis Martin's passion for justice, compassion and the bridging of racial and ethnic divides. Previous award recipients include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and William J. Clinton, Congressmen James E. Clyburn and Charles B. Rangel, Muhammad Ali, lawyer and civil rights leader Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., the late civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy I. Height, and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
A member of the U.S. Congress for nearly a quarter-century, Congressman Lewis first came to national attention as one of the top figures in the civil rights movement, as well as an architect of and keynote speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington. He has served in the House leadership as Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the Democratic Party since 1991 and has been a leading voice on a wide range of domestic and international issues. He has been referred to as "the conscience of the U.S. Congress" and "a genuine American hero and moral leader."
In announcing the selection, Joint Center President and CEO Ralph B. Everett cited Congressman Lewis' legendary courage and leadership in the struggle for full voting rights. "His refusal to flinch in the face of extreme adversity left an indelible mark on our history, and sent an unforgettable message to the world on the intrinsic value of the right to vote and the scope of sacrifice that is often necessary to secure it," he said.
"Today, Congressman Lewis continues to lead by example, working for racial harmony and to inspire all Americans to make the most of their right to engage in the nation's political and civic affairs," he added.
"Congressman Lewis fits well into the pantheon of leaders whom the Joint Center has recognized over the years with this high honor," said Roderick D. Gillum, Chair of the Joint Center's Board of Governors. "Few people in history have contributed more to helping America live up to its cherished ideals, and the difference he has made throughout his career is something that all of us can see and feel in our everyday lives."
Hosted by the Joint Center each year for more than a quarter century and with this year's theme of Forward Together – Engaging Our Future, the Annual Dinner is the organization's major fundraising event of the year and provides an opportunity for a broad range of elected officials, business, civic and community leaders from across the country to celebrate the success of the Joint Center and its impact on the lives of all Americans.
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
UGA education researchers receive national award for developing measurement of math problem-solving skills
A team of University of Georgia education researchers has received a national award for the development of a statistical method for measuring the growth of students’ problem-solving skills in mathematics. This new method enables researchers to simultaneously measure both the different ways that students can reason about individual questions on a mathematics test and their overall growth in mathematics ability.
The researchers were named recipients of the 2011 Award for an Outstanding Example of an Application of Educational Measurement Technology to a Specific Problem from the National Council on Measurement in Education.
The team included UGA College of Education professors Allan Cohen, director of the Georgia Center for Assessment, and Seock-Ho Kim; lead author Sun-Joo Cho, a UGA doctoral graduateand assistant professor of educational psychology at Vanderbilt University; and Brian A. Bottge, the William T. Bryan Endowed Chair in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Kentucky.
Current methods for detecting growth of students’ skills in math by score-level analysis may fail to reflect subtle changes that might be evident at the item level, said Cohen.This new method combines an analysis of individual performance on each test question, coupled with methods that provide a deeper analysis of the differences in reasoning that students use to answer each test question.
The team published two articles in 2010 describing how item-level changes could be measured using data from a multiwave experiment with a teaching method called Enhanced Anchored Instruction. EAI is a method specially designed for developing the math skills of low-achieving adolescents, including students with learning disabilities in math.
One article, “Latent Transition Analysis with a Mixture Item Response Theory Measurement Model,” appeared in the journal, Applied Psychological Measurement. A second article, “Detecting Cognitive Change in the Math Skills of Low-Achieving Adolescents,” was published in the Journal of Special Education.
The award will be presented to Cohen and his group at the NCME’s annual conference in April in New Orleans.
For more information on the UGA College of Education see http://www.coe.uga.edu/.
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The researchers were named recipients of the 2011 Award for an Outstanding Example of an Application of Educational Measurement Technology to a Specific Problem from the National Council on Measurement in Education.
The team included UGA College of Education professors Allan Cohen, director of the Georgia Center for Assessment, and Seock-Ho Kim; lead author Sun-Joo Cho, a UGA doctoral graduateand assistant professor of educational psychology at Vanderbilt University; and Brian A. Bottge, the William T. Bryan Endowed Chair in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Kentucky.
Current methods for detecting growth of students’ skills in math by score-level analysis may fail to reflect subtle changes that might be evident at the item level, said Cohen.This new method combines an analysis of individual performance on each test question, coupled with methods that provide a deeper analysis of the differences in reasoning that students use to answer each test question.
The team published two articles in 2010 describing how item-level changes could be measured using data from a multiwave experiment with a teaching method called Enhanced Anchored Instruction. EAI is a method specially designed for developing the math skills of low-achieving adolescents, including students with learning disabilities in math.
One article, “Latent Transition Analysis with a Mixture Item Response Theory Measurement Model,” appeared in the journal, Applied Psychological Measurement. A second article, “Detecting Cognitive Change in the Math Skills of Low-Achieving Adolescents,” was published in the Journal of Special Education.
The award will be presented to Cohen and his group at the NCME’s annual conference in April in New Orleans.
For more information on the UGA College of Education see http://www.coe.uga.edu/.
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Georgia Lake Sturgeon Restoration Project Receives National Recognition
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division is one of four states recently recognized by the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Administrator’s Section for their efforts to provide the public with quality fishing opportunities and aquatic education programs. Other state agencies recognized include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
“We had some excellent projects submitted for consideration this year and it is clear that state agencies are responding to both the needs of the anglers and the fish with Sport Fish Restoration Program funds” said Doug Nygren, president-elect of the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Administrators Section and the chief of fisheries for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
The Fisheries Administrator’s Section annually recognizes outstanding fisheries conservation projects and programs that are funded from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration program, commonly known as the Wallop- Breaux or Dingell-Johnson grant program. The projects receiving recognition were selected from a score of outstanding proposals submitted from several state fisheries agencies.
Georgia received the “2010 Outstanding Sport Fish Restoration Access Award- Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction in Georgia.” This project benefits anglers in Georgia and Alabama with its far sighted and far reaching efforts to re-establish lake sturgeon in the Coosa River system.
Historically, the Coosa River supported a population of this prehistoric looking game species. However, none have been documented since about 1970. While the exact cause of the decline of this species in Georgia is not known, biologists believe that intense stocking efforts will result in a self-sustaining population in the future. Lake sturgeon eggs are provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Warm Springs Hatchery in Georgia. Sturgeons have a slow growth rate, so biologists do not expect to allow anglers to harvest any fish until 2027. In addition to stocking, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has also implemented an aggressive outreach effort to involve local school children with the project.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program has provided more than $6 billion to state fisheries agencies since the program’s inception in 1950. The program provides critical funding to state agencies for their fisheries conservation and management programs. Additional information on this program can be found at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SFR/SFR.htm.
The American Fisheries Society is the nation’s leading organization of professional fisheries scientists. Its membership includes fisheries scientists from all 50 states as well as international members.
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“We had some excellent projects submitted for consideration this year and it is clear that state agencies are responding to both the needs of the anglers and the fish with Sport Fish Restoration Program funds” said Doug Nygren, president-elect of the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Administrators Section and the chief of fisheries for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
The Fisheries Administrator’s Section annually recognizes outstanding fisheries conservation projects and programs that are funded from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration program, commonly known as the Wallop- Breaux or Dingell-Johnson grant program. The projects receiving recognition were selected from a score of outstanding proposals submitted from several state fisheries agencies.
Georgia received the “2010 Outstanding Sport Fish Restoration Access Award- Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction in Georgia.” This project benefits anglers in Georgia and Alabama with its far sighted and far reaching efforts to re-establish lake sturgeon in the Coosa River system.
Historically, the Coosa River supported a population of this prehistoric looking game species. However, none have been documented since about 1970. While the exact cause of the decline of this species in Georgia is not known, biologists believe that intense stocking efforts will result in a self-sustaining population in the future. Lake sturgeon eggs are provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Warm Springs Hatchery in Georgia. Sturgeons have a slow growth rate, so biologists do not expect to allow anglers to harvest any fish until 2027. In addition to stocking, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has also implemented an aggressive outreach effort to involve local school children with the project.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program has provided more than $6 billion to state fisheries agencies since the program’s inception in 1950. The program provides critical funding to state agencies for their fisheries conservation and management programs. Additional information on this program can be found at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SFR/SFR.htm.
The American Fisheries Society is the nation’s leading organization of professional fisheries scientists. Its membership includes fisheries scientists from all 50 states as well as international members.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Gwinnett County Commission Chair Candidate Will Costa Receives the George Washington Honest Government Award
Gwinnett County Commission Chair hopeful Will Costa is honored for his life-long commitment to honest government by the State of Georgia Tea Party, LLC. The award is given to candidates that best embrace an understanding of our Founding Father principles of limited and honest government.
“The only legitimate function of government is to protect the Freedom and Liberty of the People. This is especially true of state and county governments, because these political entities are the most important to guarantee our Freedom and individual Liberty. Most citizens focus on the federal government apparatus, but county government touches the citizen far more intimately than the federal government. Gwinnett County is a large taxing authority that maintains dominion over your health and welfare in your home. We must control the growth of county government and nurture Freedom and Liberty at the grassroots level to truly achieve Freedom and Liberty.” Costa said.
Costa received an “A++” rating for his pledge of honest government.
Since May 2010, the State of Georgia Tea Party, LLC, a grass roots Tea Party services organization, has worked to give a voice to constitutional and fiscal conservatives living with the inspiration of the Founding Fathers. The organization has led a statewide movement to help elect constitutional and fiscally responsible Conservatives.
“I intend to make transparency in county government real. I will open the political process so that more Gwinnett citizens have ownership in their county government and as Chairman I want all to know their voices will be heard. I will shrink the size and scope of the Gwinnett County government without causing chaos in the institutions that protect our Life and Property -- the fire and police departments,” Costa says. “I’ll let the County Sheriff and Fire Chief determine the resources they need to protect the Life and Property of our citizenry and I will protect their Liberty by cutting non-essential government.”
Costa is the only candidate that has spent a lifetime in private industry and political advocacy. Costa served as the Legislative Director for the Libertarian Party assessing the impact of legislation on the Freedoms and Liberty of the citizens of Georgia. As Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Will Costa will bring this vast knowledge and experience to serve all the citizens of Gwinnett County.
The State of Georgia Tea Party, LLC is proud to name Will Costa as our George Washington Honesty in Government Award recipient on behalf of the citizens of Gwinnett County Georgia.
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“The only legitimate function of government is to protect the Freedom and Liberty of the People. This is especially true of state and county governments, because these political entities are the most important to guarantee our Freedom and individual Liberty. Most citizens focus on the federal government apparatus, but county government touches the citizen far more intimately than the federal government. Gwinnett County is a large taxing authority that maintains dominion over your health and welfare in your home. We must control the growth of county government and nurture Freedom and Liberty at the grassroots level to truly achieve Freedom and Liberty.” Costa said.
Costa received an “A++” rating for his pledge of honest government.
Since May 2010, the State of Georgia Tea Party, LLC, a grass roots Tea Party services organization, has worked to give a voice to constitutional and fiscal conservatives living with the inspiration of the Founding Fathers. The organization has led a statewide movement to help elect constitutional and fiscally responsible Conservatives.
“I intend to make transparency in county government real. I will open the political process so that more Gwinnett citizens have ownership in their county government and as Chairman I want all to know their voices will be heard. I will shrink the size and scope of the Gwinnett County government without causing chaos in the institutions that protect our Life and Property -- the fire and police departments,” Costa says. “I’ll let the County Sheriff and Fire Chief determine the resources they need to protect the Life and Property of our citizenry and I will protect their Liberty by cutting non-essential government.”
Costa is the only candidate that has spent a lifetime in private industry and political advocacy. Costa served as the Legislative Director for the Libertarian Party assessing the impact of legislation on the Freedoms and Liberty of the citizens of Georgia. As Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Will Costa will bring this vast knowledge and experience to serve all the citizens of Gwinnett County.
The State of Georgia Tea Party, LLC is proud to name Will Costa as our George Washington Honesty in Government Award recipient on behalf of the citizens of Gwinnett County Georgia.
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Monday, November 1, 2010
Emory University Hospital Named Consumer Choice Winner for 13th Straight Year
For the 13th straight year, Emory University Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals by the National Research Corporation's (NRC) Consumer Choice Awards.
The award identifies hospitals chosen by healthcare consumers as having the highest quality and image in more than 300 markets throughout the U.S. This is the 15th year NRC has awarded hospitals whose consumers have recognized them for providing the highest quality healthcare.
“Having an opportunity to once again share this tremendous honor with the men and women who care for our patients and visitors each day is certainly a special and rewarding part of my job,” says Robert Bachman, Emory University Hospital chief operating officer. “Being recognized for what you do – and how well you do it – by the very consumers you are in the business of serving each day is an accolade that cannot be topped. I want to thank our entire team of physicians, nurses, support and business staff, volunteers and vast network of stakeholders and donors who strive to make Emory University Hospital a great center for care and discovery. Our customers have again spoken, and we will use this award as motivation to continue improving service in a safe, patient- and family-centered environment of care.”
Ginny Martin, president of NRC's Ticker Division, says winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company's Ticker study. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study, the winning facilities rank highest in their Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Ticker study surveyed over 250,000 households representing over 450,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.
"Healthcare has become an increasingly important issue across the country and empowered consumers are making decisions for themselves and their families when selecting their healthcare facilities and services," Martin says. "As care options multiply and financial challenges remain strong, consumer perception of quality continues to grow in importance. Dedication to providing high quality healthcare has become essential for all hospitals. In the face of adversity, these Consumer Choice award winners exemplify the dedication it takes to provide quality healthcare to their communities, and we are pleased to honor them through the eyes of their patients."
This year, Emory University Hospital for the 20th time, joined the prestigious ranks of America's top medical institutions in the annual U.S. News & World Report guide to "America's Best Hospitals." The hospital is at the heart of one of the nation's leading university-based health systems, with nationally and internationally recognized faculty physicians in a broad range of specialty areas. The 573-bed adult, tertiary care facility is a component of Emory Healthcare -- the largest and most comprehensive health system in Georgia. The hospital is staffed by more than 950 practicing physicians who are also faculty members of the Emory School of Medicine.
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The award identifies hospitals chosen by healthcare consumers as having the highest quality and image in more than 300 markets throughout the U.S. This is the 15th year NRC has awarded hospitals whose consumers have recognized them for providing the highest quality healthcare.
“Having an opportunity to once again share this tremendous honor with the men and women who care for our patients and visitors each day is certainly a special and rewarding part of my job,” says Robert Bachman, Emory University Hospital chief operating officer. “Being recognized for what you do – and how well you do it – by the very consumers you are in the business of serving each day is an accolade that cannot be topped. I want to thank our entire team of physicians, nurses, support and business staff, volunteers and vast network of stakeholders and donors who strive to make Emory University Hospital a great center for care and discovery. Our customers have again spoken, and we will use this award as motivation to continue improving service in a safe, patient- and family-centered environment of care.”
Ginny Martin, president of NRC's Ticker Division, says winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company's Ticker study. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study, the winning facilities rank highest in their Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Ticker study surveyed over 250,000 households representing over 450,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.
"Healthcare has become an increasingly important issue across the country and empowered consumers are making decisions for themselves and their families when selecting their healthcare facilities and services," Martin says. "As care options multiply and financial challenges remain strong, consumer perception of quality continues to grow in importance. Dedication to providing high quality healthcare has become essential for all hospitals. In the face of adversity, these Consumer Choice award winners exemplify the dedication it takes to provide quality healthcare to their communities, and we are pleased to honor them through the eyes of their patients."
This year, Emory University Hospital for the 20th time, joined the prestigious ranks of America's top medical institutions in the annual U.S. News & World Report guide to "America's Best Hospitals." The hospital is at the heart of one of the nation's leading university-based health systems, with nationally and internationally recognized faculty physicians in a broad range of specialty areas. The 573-bed adult, tertiary care facility is a component of Emory Healthcare -- the largest and most comprehensive health system in Georgia. The hospital is staffed by more than 950 practicing physicians who are also faculty members of the Emory School of Medicine.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Honors TOTO
The Governor began the Conserve Georgia program in 2008 with the goal of encouraging a statewide “culture of conservation” that helps preserve and sustain the state’s natural resources for generations to come.
“Georgia is blessed with abundant natural resources. It’s important to the vitality of our state that we protect these resources for the future,” said Governor Perdue. “Businesses like TOTO are leading the way in creating a culture of conservation, and it is my pleasure to recognize them for their accomplishments.”
Chris Clark, Chair of the Conserve Georgia Council and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, affirmed the governor’s statement: "We are proud to recognize TOTO USA with the 2010 Conserve Georgia Water Conservation Award, acknowledging their commitment to promoting water efficiency in their facility, products, and community."
Over the past several years, TOTO has garnered numerous conservation awards, both local and national, for its commitment to environmental stewardship. For example, Georgia’s Southface Energy Institute, the Southeast’s non-profit leader in the promotion of sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities, has recognized the company with its prestigious Argon Award for Sustainability for its outstanding environmental leadership. At the national level, TOTO is the only plumbing manufactured honored by the Environmental Protection Agency with its coveted Water Efficiency Leader Award.
The company actively shares its passion for environmental sustainability by serving in the leadership positions of organizations focused on energy and water-efficiency, such as the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green buildingrating system, and the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a national organization dedicated to water efficiency that is spearheaded by the EPA.“TOTO is continuously looking for ways to eliminate waste, create more efficient products, and improve people’s lives through all levels of social sustainability.
From product lifecycle analysis that ensures thesmallest carbon footprint possible to advocating water savings through end-user practices, TOTO is dedicated to natural resource conservation,” stated Bill Strang, Vice President of Operations at TOTO.In fact, all employees at TOTO’s manufacturing facilities are personally involved in the company’s conservation efforts. At its encouragement, they bring their recyclables to the plant, and TOTO ships to the appropriate recycling facilities. “At TOTO, conservation at all levels, including recycling, reducing waste, and manufacturing high-efficiency products is a part of our DNA. It is part of our manufacturing practices and our employees’ daily lives,” continued Strang.
Photo source: Toto USA, Inc
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Monday, October 18, 2010
Georgia Diabetes Pilot Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps for African Americans and Hispanics Gains National Recognition
/PRNewswire/ -- A health equities pilot developed for Blue Cross Blue Shield members is one of seven programs recognized this year with a Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Award. The pilot, in which Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) was a participant, was developed for Hispanics and African Americans with diabetes. The award was given for the pilot's innovative and successful approach to improving access to high quality, safe and affordable health care for consumers.
The Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Program was developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy. The purpose of the Clinical Distinction Awards is to highlight the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and potential for replication.
The pilot, "Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps: Diabetes," was submitted by BCBSGa's California affiliate, which also had participants in the pilot. Two other affiliated plans in Indiana and Maine also earned Clinical Distinction Awards.
"Research shows that ethnically diverse populations experience a higher prevalence of certain diseases and worse quality of care than whites regardless of the type of insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all," said Terri Amano, senior product manager of BCBSGa's parent company's Programs in Clinical Excellence. "With this pilot, our goal was to find ways to provide useful and relevant information to our Hispanic and African American members. This information helps them better control their diabetes and improve their quality of life."
In asking members their opinions and researching their behaviors and attitudes, it was discovered that aspects of culture—food, family, faith and fear of disease complications, such as amputations and blindness, were factors that may influence behaviors and attitudes toward health care among African Americans and Hispanics. These issues were explored in many of the educational materials.
The pilot focused on creative and culturally appropriate ways to communicate with members—including providing information on how members could reach out to local churches to share these messages with others and providing bilingual Spanish print Fotonovelas, a photographic comic strip version of a soap opera. The pilot also provided diabetes educational materials that included ways to substitute ingredients in favorite ethnic meals to make them healthier.
"Harvard is pleased to recognize this pilot that sets such high standards for its effectiveness in improving patient care," said Barbara J. McNeil, Ph.D., head of the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School. "The Blues' focus on quality, safety and access plays a critical role in improving the healthcare delivery system and enhancing quality and value for consumers."
The randomized controlled pilot studied more than 4,000 African American and Hispanic members in California and Georgia.
"Even over the short term, we saw small but promising increases in disease management engagement among African American and Hispanic members," Amano said. "We see this pilot as an important first step in helping our diverse members make important changes to their health and helping to bridge the cultural care gaps that exist today."
BCBSGa's parent company plans to use this pilot in other states.
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The Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Program was developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy. The purpose of the Clinical Distinction Awards is to highlight the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and potential for replication.
The pilot, "Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps: Diabetes," was submitted by BCBSGa's California affiliate, which also had participants in the pilot. Two other affiliated plans in Indiana and Maine also earned Clinical Distinction Awards.
"Research shows that ethnically diverse populations experience a higher prevalence of certain diseases and worse quality of care than whites regardless of the type of insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all," said Terri Amano, senior product manager of BCBSGa's parent company's Programs in Clinical Excellence. "With this pilot, our goal was to find ways to provide useful and relevant information to our Hispanic and African American members. This information helps them better control their diabetes and improve their quality of life."
In asking members their opinions and researching their behaviors and attitudes, it was discovered that aspects of culture—food, family, faith and fear of disease complications, such as amputations and blindness, were factors that may influence behaviors and attitudes toward health care among African Americans and Hispanics. These issues were explored in many of the educational materials.
The pilot focused on creative and culturally appropriate ways to communicate with members—including providing information on how members could reach out to local churches to share these messages with others and providing bilingual Spanish print Fotonovelas, a photographic comic strip version of a soap opera. The pilot also provided diabetes educational materials that included ways to substitute ingredients in favorite ethnic meals to make them healthier.
"Harvard is pleased to recognize this pilot that sets such high standards for its effectiveness in improving patient care," said Barbara J. McNeil, Ph.D., head of the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School. "The Blues' focus on quality, safety and access plays a critical role in improving the healthcare delivery system and enhancing quality and value for consumers."
The randomized controlled pilot studied more than 4,000 African American and Hispanic members in California and Georgia.
"Even over the short term, we saw small but promising increases in disease management engagement among African American and Hispanic members," Amano said. "We see this pilot as an important first step in helping our diverse members make important changes to their health and helping to bridge the cultural care gaps that exist today."
BCBSGa's parent company plans to use this pilot in other states.
-----
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Governor Perdue Announces Fourth-Annual Customer Service Awards
Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the winners of state government’s fourth-annual Governor’s Customer Service Awards for 2010. Seven individuals and nine teams were recognized today by Governor Perdue.
“Part of making Georgia the best managed state is improving customer service and recognizing those employees who provide it,” said Governor Perdue. “These awards highlight exemplary employees and their commitment to changing processes and attitudes to provide faster, friendlier and easier service for the citizens of Georgia. Those recognized here represent scores of others who have found ways to produce and measure results.”
Winners in the fourth year of the Governor’s Customer Service Awards were selected from among more than 580 nominations from 42 different agencies across Georgia. Nominees demonstrate “above and beyond” service that is helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Team winners dramatically shortened process times or responded quickly to customers. Awards were also given for Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, Contact Center Excellence, Leadership and Agency of the Year. Employees of state agencies and the University System of Georgia are eligible. Nominees were judged by a blue-ribbon panel of leaders from the business community and the public sector.
LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Individual Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia over the last year. Their actions reflect all five of the state’s customer service commitments: HELPFUL, COURTEOUS, ACCESSIBLE, RESPONSIVE and KNOWLEDGEABLE.
Carleton F. Coleman, Aging Services Coordinator, Dept. of Human Services, Columbus
Jenna Miley, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bainbridge College, University System of Georgia, Bainbridge
Bob Satterfield, Assistant Director of Maintenance, Georgia Building Authority, Atlanta
Eric Sellers, Warden, Burruss CTC, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Forsyth
Customer Service Employee of the Year
This award is given to the individual who represents the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Dan Chan, Meteorologist, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon
Team Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those teams who have demonstrated outstanding service to the customers of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Computerized Criminal History/Identification Team, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
· Financial Reporting Team, State Accounting Office
· Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville, Dept. of Veterans Service, Milledgeville
· Hearing Examiners, State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Customer Service Team of the Year
This award is presented to the team which is the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
Contact Center Excellence
The contact center excellence award is given to one call center based on outstanding performance and improvement in customer service.
· Motor Vehicle Citizens Help Desk Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Revenue
Outstanding Process Improvement
The process improvement award is given to a division or program that has designed and implemented a planned process improvement or initiative that has resulted in a significant positive impact on their customers over the last year.
· Probation Reporting Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Atlanta
Customer Service Champion of the Year
This award recognizes the Champion who has successfully guided customer service improvements throughout his or her organization resulting in a significant, positive impact on customer service over the last year.
· Lisa Maier, Georgia Dept. of Public Safety, Atlanta
Outstanding Customer Service Leadership
The Customer Service Leadership Award recognizes a leader in an agency, division, institution or program who, through his or her leadership in customer service, has made a significant, positive impact on customer service to the citizens of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Holly Robinson, Commissioner, Bright From the Start: Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta
Most Improved Customer Service Organization
This award recognizes the state organization or program that has demonstrated the greatest overall improvement in customer service during the previous year.
· Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
Customer Service Agency/Institution of the Year
This award is given to the state agency or institution that has shown the highest commitment, the highest performance levels and the most improvement in customer service across the organization over the last year. · University System of Georgia
“Part of making Georgia the best managed state is improving customer service and recognizing those employees who provide it,” said Governor Perdue. “These awards highlight exemplary employees and their commitment to changing processes and attitudes to provide faster, friendlier and easier service for the citizens of Georgia. Those recognized here represent scores of others who have found ways to produce and measure results.”
Winners in the fourth year of the Governor’s Customer Service Awards were selected from among more than 580 nominations from 42 different agencies across Georgia. Nominees demonstrate “above and beyond” service that is helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Team winners dramatically shortened process times or responded quickly to customers. Awards were also given for Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, Contact Center Excellence, Leadership and Agency of the Year. Employees of state agencies and the University System of Georgia are eligible. Nominees were judged by a blue-ribbon panel of leaders from the business community and the public sector.
LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Individual Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia over the last year. Their actions reflect all five of the state’s customer service commitments: HELPFUL, COURTEOUS, ACCESSIBLE, RESPONSIVE and KNOWLEDGEABLE.
Carleton F. Coleman, Aging Services Coordinator, Dept. of Human Services, Columbus
Jenna Miley, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bainbridge College, University System of Georgia, Bainbridge
Bob Satterfield, Assistant Director of Maintenance, Georgia Building Authority, Atlanta
Eric Sellers, Warden, Burruss CTC, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Forsyth
Customer Service Employee of the Year
This award is given to the individual who represents the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Dan Chan, Meteorologist, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon
Team Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those teams who have demonstrated outstanding service to the customers of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Computerized Criminal History/Identification Team, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
· Financial Reporting Team, State Accounting Office
· Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville, Dept. of Veterans Service, Milledgeville
· Hearing Examiners, State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Customer Service Team of the Year
This award is presented to the team which is the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
Contact Center Excellence
The contact center excellence award is given to one call center based on outstanding performance and improvement in customer service.
· Motor Vehicle Citizens Help Desk Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Revenue
Outstanding Process Improvement
The process improvement award is given to a division or program that has designed and implemented a planned process improvement or initiative that has resulted in a significant positive impact on their customers over the last year.
· Probation Reporting Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Atlanta
Customer Service Champion of the Year
This award recognizes the Champion who has successfully guided customer service improvements throughout his or her organization resulting in a significant, positive impact on customer service over the last year.
· Lisa Maier, Georgia Dept. of Public Safety, Atlanta
Outstanding Customer Service Leadership
The Customer Service Leadership Award recognizes a leader in an agency, division, institution or program who, through his or her leadership in customer service, has made a significant, positive impact on customer service to the citizens of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Holly Robinson, Commissioner, Bright From the Start: Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta
Most Improved Customer Service Organization
This award recognizes the state organization or program that has demonstrated the greatest overall improvement in customer service during the previous year.
· Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
Customer Service Agency/Institution of the Year
This award is given to the state agency or institution that has shown the highest commitment, the highest performance levels and the most improvement in customer service across the organization over the last year. · University System of Georgia
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Georgia Employer Receives Top DOD Award
Southern Company received the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for going beyond the federal law requirements in support of Guard and Reserve members. A Southern Company employee who is an Army Reserve First Lieutenant nominated his company for the award.
Southern Company, the only Georgia employer to top the list, competed against thousands of U.S. employers for this award.
Southern Company is the nation’s largest producer of electricity and serves more than 4.4 million customers in the Southeast. The company’s “Support our Troops” project has sent more than 500 pounds of personal care items to military members in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning from deployment, the employees were honored at the company-wide dinner hosted by the chief executive officer. Southern Company and its subsidiaries have received numerous Patriot Awards, Above and Beyond Awards and the ESGR Pro Patria Award.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to an employer for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees from Georgia include Home Depot, Home Depot Southern Division, United Parcel Service Airlines and First Data Corporation.
About ESGR & the Freedom Award
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR. Nominations for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award were accepted from November 2009 through mid-January 2010.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation. For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
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Southern Company, the only Georgia employer to top the list, competed against thousands of U.S. employers for this award.
Southern Company is the nation’s largest producer of electricity and serves more than 4.4 million customers in the Southeast. The company’s “Support our Troops” project has sent more than 500 pounds of personal care items to military members in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning from deployment, the employees were honored at the company-wide dinner hosted by the chief executive officer. Southern Company and its subsidiaries have received numerous Patriot Awards, Above and Beyond Awards and the ESGR Pro Patria Award.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to an employer for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees from Georgia include Home Depot, Home Depot Southern Division, United Parcel Service Airlines and First Data Corporation.
About ESGR & the Freedom Award
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR. Nominations for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award were accepted from November 2009 through mid-January 2010.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation. For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
---
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Amerigroup Foundation Honors Georgia State Sen. Lester Jackson as a 'Champion for Children'
/PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation today presented Georgia State Sen. Lester Jackson with its "Champion for Children" award for his tireless work and devotion to children's issues, both personally and legislatively.
The "Champion for Children" award is part of a national program by the Amerigroup Foundation to recognize outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children across the country.
Sen. Jackson donated the $2,000 award to the Greenbriar Children's Center and the May Street YMCA of Savannah. Both organizations are devoted to the care of children, especially those going through difficult times.
"We are pleased to recognize Sen. Jackson for his positive impact on the youth in our community," said John E. Littel, chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation. "He shares our goal of building strong, healthy communities, while putting our children first."
Gena Taylor, executive director at the Greenbriar Children's Center, said Sen. Jackson has been instrumental in building and enhancing programs for children in the community.
"Sen. Jackson's donation to our center falls in line with his character," said Taylor. "His advocacy for children goes unmatched."
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The "Champion for Children" award is part of a national program by the Amerigroup Foundation to recognize outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children across the country.
Sen. Jackson donated the $2,000 award to the Greenbriar Children's Center and the May Street YMCA of Savannah. Both organizations are devoted to the care of children, especially those going through difficult times.
"We are pleased to recognize Sen. Jackson for his positive impact on the youth in our community," said John E. Littel, chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation. "He shares our goal of building strong, healthy communities, while putting our children first."
Gena Taylor, executive director at the Greenbriar Children's Center, said Sen. Jackson has been instrumental in building and enhancing programs for children in the community.
"Sen. Jackson's donation to our center falls in line with his character," said Taylor. "His advocacy for children goes unmatched."
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Monday, July 5, 2010
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award Winners in Alabama-Georgia and Tennessee Announced
/PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award in the Southeast region. This group of leading entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. The winners were revealed at a gala event on June 24, 2010 at the InterContinental Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
"Ernst & Young believes in the power of entrepreneurship," said Joseph A. King, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year Program Director for Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. "These Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners have made substantial financial and civic contributions, and we are proud to honor their outstanding success."
The Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee award recipients for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year award in 2010 are:
James A. Haslam, III Pilot Travel Centers LLC Knoxville, Tennessee
Michael F. Mansfield Sr. Mansfield Oil Company Gainesville, Georgia
Michael McMenamin Access Insurance Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
John C. Portman, Jr. Portman Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
David R. White IASIS Healthcare Franklin, Tennessee
Mark Wilson Ryla, Inc. Kennesaw, Georgia
R. Halsey Wise Intergraph Corporation Huntsville, Alabama
The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence on a national level. The overall national US winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year title in June.
This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 24th anniversary. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Entrepreneurs are nominated and evaluated by those in each region, including local business, academic and community leaders.
All regional honorees are invited to the national Entrepreneur Of The Year® gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 13, 2010 in Palm Springs, California. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. For more information on the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, please visit www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthforum.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.
In Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, the regional sponsors include King & Spalding, SolomonEdwardsGroup and Bowne.
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"Ernst & Young believes in the power of entrepreneurship," said Joseph A. King, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year Program Director for Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. "These Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners have made substantial financial and civic contributions, and we are proud to honor their outstanding success."
The Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee award recipients for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year award in 2010 are:
James A. Haslam, III Pilot Travel Centers LLC Knoxville, Tennessee
Michael F. Mansfield Sr. Mansfield Oil Company Gainesville, Georgia
Michael McMenamin Access Insurance Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
John C. Portman, Jr. Portman Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
David R. White IASIS Healthcare Franklin, Tennessee
Mark Wilson Ryla, Inc. Kennesaw, Georgia
R. Halsey Wise Intergraph Corporation Huntsville, Alabama
The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence on a national level. The overall national US winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year title in June.
This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 24th anniversary. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Entrepreneurs are nominated and evaluated by those in each region, including local business, academic and community leaders.
All regional honorees are invited to the national Entrepreneur Of The Year® gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 13, 2010 in Palm Springs, California. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. For more information on the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, please visit www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthforum.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.
In Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, the regional sponsors include King & Spalding, SolomonEdwardsGroup and Bowne.
-----
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Grady Hospital's Avon Breast Center Earns National Accreditation
/PRNewswire/ -- Grady's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center has been granted a full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. According to the NAPBC, accreditation is granted only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.
The Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center is a key component of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System. The Center is a multi-disciplinary breast care program, offering a full spectrum of clinical and support services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivor care. The patient care team, comprised of Emory & Morehouse physicians and Grady personnel, include specialists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, breast imaging, pathology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, mental health services, nutrition, community outreach and navigation, palliative care and other specialties. The Center has treated more than 1,000 newly diagnosed women since opening in 2003 and has increased its mammography services by more than 60 percent.
"The team at the Avon Breast Center works tirelessly to ensure our patients obtain the best possible care and services," said Sheryl Gabram, MD, director, Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady and professor of surgery, Emory University School of Medicine. "It is because of their dedication and hard work the Center was awarded this recognition. The accreditation will benefit our patients, our community and our collaborative efforts in the future."
The American Cancer Society estimates that 5,370 women in Georgia were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:
-- Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art
services
-- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment
options
-- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
-- Quality breast health care close to home.
"The Avon Breast Center at Grady provides cutting edge care and as a result has decreased breast cancer outcome disparities for women treated at Grady," Gabram added. "It is because of the extensive support from The Avon Foundation that we are able to accomplish this and make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of women."
About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center - and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.
With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.
The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.
Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.
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The Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center is a key component of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System. The Center is a multi-disciplinary breast care program, offering a full spectrum of clinical and support services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivor care. The patient care team, comprised of Emory & Morehouse physicians and Grady personnel, include specialists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, breast imaging, pathology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, mental health services, nutrition, community outreach and navigation, palliative care and other specialties. The Center has treated more than 1,000 newly diagnosed women since opening in 2003 and has increased its mammography services by more than 60 percent.
"The team at the Avon Breast Center works tirelessly to ensure our patients obtain the best possible care and services," said Sheryl Gabram, MD, director, Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady and professor of surgery, Emory University School of Medicine. "It is because of their dedication and hard work the Center was awarded this recognition. The accreditation will benefit our patients, our community and our collaborative efforts in the future."
The American Cancer Society estimates that 5,370 women in Georgia were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:
-- Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art
services
-- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment
options
-- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
-- Quality breast health care close to home.
"The Avon Breast Center at Grady provides cutting edge care and as a result has decreased breast cancer outcome disparities for women treated at Grady," Gabram added. "It is because of the extensive support from The Avon Foundation that we are able to accomplish this and make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of women."
About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center - and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.
With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.
The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.
Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
FBI 2009 Director’s Community Leadership Award for Atlanta
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, presented today the Director’s Award for Community Leadership for 2009 to WAGA Fox 5 News for its “Georgia’s Most Wanted” program. Awards were also presented to that production’s reporter, Doug Evans, its photographer Gustavo Valdes, and it’s Executive Producer Leslie Duffield.
WAGA FOX 5 News initiated its “Georgia’s Most Wanted” program in 1997. WAGA Reporter/Anchor Doug Evans took over the project in early 2005. The program was designed to give a more in depth look at some of Georgia’s more heinous crimes, to include the victim’s perspective on the crime, in order to not only report the crime, but to elicit tips for law enforcement in an effort to further the justice process and, in the process, make the community in which they serve a better, safer place. “Georgia’s Most Wanted” has featured hundreds of unsolved crimes over the years, including many cold cases. Many of the victims and their families have expressed gratitude for having their stories told.
Some highlights:
* At least 14 fugitives featured on “Georgia’s Most Wanted” have been arrested since '05. These fugitives include murderers, bank robbers and child molesters.
* Reports on high profile cases including double murder suspect Derrick Yancey and Atlanta's Standard Bar robbery and the murder of bartender John Henderson. As part of his coverage on this story, WAGA’s Doug Evans traveled to Baltimore to interview John's father.
* Georgia’s Most Wanted was the first to report that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was taking a fresh look at evidence in the 1997 Levi Frady murder case, a tragic but unsolved child abduction case. For the story, Doug Evans interviewed for the first time, Levi's boyhood friend and the last person to see him alive.
WAGA’s approach to the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted” is one of partnership with the many law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area and throughout the State of Georgia. WAGA willingly provides the much needed platform to disseminate to the public the case information, the law enforcement officer’s perspective on the crime, as well as the victim’s perspective, all of which are critical in eliciting information and tips on behalf of law enforcement. WAGA, being the local Fox affiliate, works closely with Fox TV’s “America’s Most Wanted” and has often been an advocate for getting Atlanta area cases presented to a national audience.
With the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted”, WAGA Fox 5 News has certainly demonstrated that it is a community leader by not only reporting the crime but by being an advocate for the victim and a conduit for law enforcement.
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WAGA FOX 5 News initiated its “Georgia’s Most Wanted” program in 1997. WAGA Reporter/Anchor Doug Evans took over the project in early 2005. The program was designed to give a more in depth look at some of Georgia’s more heinous crimes, to include the victim’s perspective on the crime, in order to not only report the crime, but to elicit tips for law enforcement in an effort to further the justice process and, in the process, make the community in which they serve a better, safer place. “Georgia’s Most Wanted” has featured hundreds of unsolved crimes over the years, including many cold cases. Many of the victims and their families have expressed gratitude for having their stories told.
Some highlights:
* At least 14 fugitives featured on “Georgia’s Most Wanted” have been arrested since '05. These fugitives include murderers, bank robbers and child molesters.
* Reports on high profile cases including double murder suspect Derrick Yancey and Atlanta's Standard Bar robbery and the murder of bartender John Henderson. As part of his coverage on this story, WAGA’s Doug Evans traveled to Baltimore to interview John's father.
* Georgia’s Most Wanted was the first to report that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was taking a fresh look at evidence in the 1997 Levi Frady murder case, a tragic but unsolved child abduction case. For the story, Doug Evans interviewed for the first time, Levi's boyhood friend and the last person to see him alive.
WAGA’s approach to the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted” is one of partnership with the many law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area and throughout the State of Georgia. WAGA willingly provides the much needed platform to disseminate to the public the case information, the law enforcement officer’s perspective on the crime, as well as the victim’s perspective, all of which are critical in eliciting information and tips on behalf of law enforcement. WAGA, being the local Fox affiliate, works closely with Fox TV’s “America’s Most Wanted” and has often been an advocate for getting Atlanta area cases presented to a national audience.
With the production of “Georgia’s Most Wanted”, WAGA Fox 5 News has certainly demonstrated that it is a community leader by not only reporting the crime but by being an advocate for the victim and a conduit for law enforcement.
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Monday, December 7, 2009
The Leapfrog Group Releases Its 2009 Top Hospitals List
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While Congress debates whether health care reform would control health care costs, Leapfrog's purchaser members point to 45 hospitals that lead through example -- delivering the best quality care in the nation while attaining the highest levels of efficiency. Thirty-four urban, eight children's and three rural hospitals have been named 2009 Leapfrog Top Hospitals, based on results from The Leapfrog Hospital Survey.
New this year, Leapfrog recognizes a new category: Top Rural Hospitals. The award winners in are located in Georgia and Maine:
-- Polk Medical Center; Cedartown GA
-- Stephens Memorial Hospital; Norway ME
-- Waldo County General Hospital; Belfast ME
This year's top urban hospitals are located in 13 states - Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington:
-- Mayo Clinic Hospital; Phoenix AZ
-- California Pacific Medical Center - Davies Campus; San Francisco CA
-- California Pacific Medical Center - California Campus; San Francisco
CA
-- California Pacific Medical Center - Pacific Campus; San Francisco CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center; Anaheim CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center; Baldwin Park CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Bellflower/Downey Medical Center; Bellflower CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Hayward Hospital; Hayward CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Hospital; Sacramento CA
-- Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Hospital; Sacramento CA
-- Stanford Hospital & Clinics; Stanford CA
-- University of California Davis Medical Center; Sacramento CA
-- NorthShore University HealthSystem's Highland Park Hospital; Highland
Park IL
-- Northwestern Memorial Hospital; Chicago IL
-- Rush University Medical Center; Chicago IL
-- University of Maryland Medical Center; Baltimore MD
-- Baystate Medical Center; Springfield MA
-- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Boston MA
-- Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston MA
-- North Shore Medical Center - Union Hospital; Lynn MA
-- Norwood Hospital; Norwood MA
-- Detroit Receiving Hospital; Detroit MI
-- Harper-Hutzel Hospital; Detroit MI
-- Mayo Clinic - Methodist Hospital; Rochester MN
-- Mayo Clinic Saint Marys; Rochester MN
-- Regions Hospital; Saint Paul MN
-- The Valley Hospital; Ridgewood NJ
-- University Medical Center at Princeton; Princeton NJ
-- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; Columbus OH
-- The Ohio State University Hospital; Columbus OH
-- Lehigh Valley Hospital; Allentown PA
-- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System; Greenville SC
-- Vanderbilt University Hospital; Nashville TN
-- Virginia Mason Medical Center; Seattle WA
Top pediatric hospitals in 2009 achieved a quality score of 95 or better through Leapfrog's Hospital Recognition Program and are located in California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee:
-- Childrens Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
-- Children's Hospital of Orange County; Orange CA
-- Children's National Medical Center; Washington DC
-- Children's Hospital Boston; Boston MA
-- Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota - Minneapolis;
Minneapolis MN
-- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
-- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC; Pittsburgh PA
-- The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt; Nashville TN
The Leapfrog Group (www.leapfroggroup.org) uses the collective leverage of large purchasers of health care to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for Americans. The Leapfrog Group was founded in November 2000 by the Business Roundtable, and is now independently operated with support from its members.
The Leapfrog Hospital Survey is the gold standard for comparing hospitals' performance on the national standards of safety, quality, and efficiency that are most relevant to consumers and purchasers of care. Hospitals that participate in The Leapfrog Hospital Survey achieve hospital-wide improvements that translate into millions of lives and dollars saved. Leapfrog's purchaser members use Survey results to inform their employees and purchasing strategies. In 2009, 1,206 hospitals across the country completed The Leapfrog Hospital Survey.
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New this year, Leapfrog recognizes a new category: Top Rural Hospitals. The award winners in are located in Georgia and Maine:
-- Polk Medical Center; Cedartown GA
-- Stephens Memorial Hospital; Norway ME
-- Waldo County General Hospital; Belfast ME
This year's top urban hospitals are located in 13 states - Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington:
-- Mayo Clinic Hospital; Phoenix AZ
-- California Pacific Medical Center - Davies Campus; San Francisco CA
-- California Pacific Medical Center - California Campus; San Francisco
CA
-- California Pacific Medical Center - Pacific Campus; San Francisco CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center; Anaheim CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center; Baldwin Park CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Bellflower/Downey Medical Center; Bellflower CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Hayward Hospital; Hayward CA
-- Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Hospital; Sacramento CA
-- Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Hospital; Sacramento CA
-- Stanford Hospital & Clinics; Stanford CA
-- University of California Davis Medical Center; Sacramento CA
-- NorthShore University HealthSystem's Highland Park Hospital; Highland
Park IL
-- Northwestern Memorial Hospital; Chicago IL
-- Rush University Medical Center; Chicago IL
-- University of Maryland Medical Center; Baltimore MD
-- Baystate Medical Center; Springfield MA
-- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Boston MA
-- Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston MA
-- North Shore Medical Center - Union Hospital; Lynn MA
-- Norwood Hospital; Norwood MA
-- Detroit Receiving Hospital; Detroit MI
-- Harper-Hutzel Hospital; Detroit MI
-- Mayo Clinic - Methodist Hospital; Rochester MN
-- Mayo Clinic Saint Marys; Rochester MN
-- Regions Hospital; Saint Paul MN
-- The Valley Hospital; Ridgewood NJ
-- University Medical Center at Princeton; Princeton NJ
-- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; Columbus OH
-- The Ohio State University Hospital; Columbus OH
-- Lehigh Valley Hospital; Allentown PA
-- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System; Greenville SC
-- Vanderbilt University Hospital; Nashville TN
-- Virginia Mason Medical Center; Seattle WA
Top pediatric hospitals in 2009 achieved a quality score of 95 or better through Leapfrog's Hospital Recognition Program and are located in California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee:
-- Childrens Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
-- Children's Hospital of Orange County; Orange CA
-- Children's National Medical Center; Washington DC
-- Children's Hospital Boston; Boston MA
-- Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota - Minneapolis;
Minneapolis MN
-- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
-- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC; Pittsburgh PA
-- The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt; Nashville TN
The Leapfrog Group (www.leapfroggroup.org) uses the collective leverage of large purchasers of health care to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for Americans. The Leapfrog Group was founded in November 2000 by the Business Roundtable, and is now independently operated with support from its members.
The Leapfrog Hospital Survey is the gold standard for comparing hospitals' performance on the national standards of safety, quality, and efficiency that are most relevant to consumers and purchasers of care. Hospitals that participate in The Leapfrog Hospital Survey achieve hospital-wide improvements that translate into millions of lives and dollars saved. Leapfrog's purchaser members use Survey results to inform their employees and purchasing strategies. In 2009, 1,206 hospitals across the country completed The Leapfrog Hospital Survey.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Fayette County School Employees Receive Psychology Advocacy Award
The Georgia Association of School Psychologists has recognized two Fayette County Public School employees for their efforts in encouraging the state to keep psychologists in public schools.
School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis and Fayette County Alternative School principal Tim Carter were presented certificates of Excellence in Advocacy during a school system administrative meeting. Association president Deborah Crockett, who is also a school psychologist for the school system, surprised the two recipients with the awards.
“Last year when the state was considering removing school psychologists, I asked Dr. DeCotis and Mr. Carter to write letters of support emphasizing the value of school psychologists. Both of them did and we are still here thanks to their efforts,” says Crockett.
School psychologists are state and nationally certified professionals. They help students who are having learning, behavioral and emotional problems by conducting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and interventions. They also serve the school system by consulting with teachers, parents and administrators, aiding them with information and recommendations; conduct research to help promote effective forms of learning, discipline and social interaction; and are liaisons and effective personnel in the event of a crisis, helping to alleviate the stressors and promote a healthy transition in the schools and community.
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School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis and Fayette County Alternative School principal Tim Carter were presented certificates of Excellence in Advocacy during a school system administrative meeting. Association president Deborah Crockett, who is also a school psychologist for the school system, surprised the two recipients with the awards.
“Last year when the state was considering removing school psychologists, I asked Dr. DeCotis and Mr. Carter to write letters of support emphasizing the value of school psychologists. Both of them did and we are still here thanks to their efforts,” says Crockett.
School psychologists are state and nationally certified professionals. They help students who are having learning, behavioral and emotional problems by conducting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and interventions. They also serve the school system by consulting with teachers, parents and administrators, aiding them with information and recommendations; conduct research to help promote effective forms of learning, discipline and social interaction; and are liaisons and effective personnel in the event of a crisis, helping to alleviate the stressors and promote a healthy transition in the schools and community.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fayette County Excels For Exceptional Children
The Fayette County School System strives to ensure that all students receive the best education possible while arming them with the skills they will need to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
For the seventh year in a row since the award’s inception, the school system’s Exceptional Children’s program has been recognized for excellence in the education of students with disabilities by the Georgia Department of Education.
The Pacesetter Award, which was presented at the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education (GCASE), marks the school system as a leader in the state for outstanding efforts to improve the performance of students with disabilities. Fayette is the only school system in Georgia to have received the award seven consecutive years.
The award distinguishes excellence in six areas of achievement: decreasing the number of students who drop out, achieving a higher percentage of graduates with regular education diplomas, educating students in the least restrictive environment, transitioning students to their desired postsecondary outcomes, increasing the percentage of students who meet or exceed state achievement standards and reducing the gap in achievement between students with disabilities and their general education peers.
Director Chris Horton oversees Fayette’s Exceptional Children’s program.
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For the seventh year in a row since the award’s inception, the school system’s Exceptional Children’s program has been recognized for excellence in the education of students with disabilities by the Georgia Department of Education.
The Pacesetter Award, which was presented at the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education (GCASE), marks the school system as a leader in the state for outstanding efforts to improve the performance of students with disabilities. Fayette is the only school system in Georgia to have received the award seven consecutive years.
The award distinguishes excellence in six areas of achievement: decreasing the number of students who drop out, achieving a higher percentage of graduates with regular education diplomas, educating students in the least restrictive environment, transitioning students to their desired postsecondary outcomes, increasing the percentage of students who meet or exceed state achievement standards and reducing the gap in achievement between students with disabilities and their general education peers.
Director Chris Horton oversees Fayette’s Exceptional Children’s program.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
Atlanta Gas Light and News/Talk 750 WSB to Honor Atlanta Community Food Bank Founder Bill Bolling with 2009 Shining Light Award
Atlanta Gas Light, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based AGL Resources (NYSE:AGL) , together with News/Talk 750 WSB, the most trusted source for news, weather and traffic, today announced that Bill Bolling, founder and executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank (www.acfb.org), has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Shining Light Award. This award, established in 1963, is one of Atlanta's most prestigious honors and recognizes outstanding business and community leaders for their individual contributions to build a better Atlanta.
Bolling joins an impressive list of Atlantans who have received the Shining Light Award, including: President Jimmy Carter; Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy; baseball legend Hank Aaron; U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young; Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd; the late former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson; founder of the Georgia Aquarium and Marcus Institute Bernie Marcus; as well as businessman and civil rights leader Jesse Hill, Jr.
Bolling founded the Atlanta Community Food Bank and has served as its executive director since 1979. In this capacity he oversees the distribution of more than 20 million pounds of food and grocery products each year through more than 800 local and regional nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry. Prior to his association with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, he served as director of community ministries for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta.
"All of Atlanta salutes Bill Bolling with the Shining Light Award," said John W. Somerhalder II, AGL Resources chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Without him, there would be no Atlanta Community Food Bank. It is exceptionally fitting that we honor him this year, when the Atlanta Community Food Bank celebrates its 30th anniversary, and when the need in our community for the Food Bank's services has never been greater. We celebrate Bill's vision, his passion and his commitment to be a voice for the underserved."
In addition to his work with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Bolling, who grew up in Lexington, N.C., is a frequent speaker on topics related to hunger, poverty, regionalism, affordable housing and public policy reform. He is a charter member of the Board of Directors of Feeding America, the national network of food banks (formerly America's Second Harvest). He also serves on the Regional Commission on Homelessness, the Nonprofit Advisory Committee of the Andrew Young School at Georgia State University, and the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta. He is founder of the Atlanta Housing Forum, begun in 1988, and continues to serve as moderator of the Regional Housing Forum. He is past chair of the Board of the Regional Leadership Forum and the State of Georgia Housing Trust Fund Commission.
"In addition to his outstanding organizational and management skills, Bill is a magnificent bridge-builder," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president, Atlanta Gas Light. "Through his ability to link just the right people and bring various public sectors and the business community together, he has found practical ways to fight hunger in Atlanta. The Atlanta Community Food Bank benefits those who need it most, and his efforts have strengthened our entire community in the process."
Beginning Oct. 12, WSB Radio will broadcast congratulatory messages to Bolling from several past award recipients. The announcements will also be streaming live on the station's Website, www.WSBRadio.com.
"Bill Bolling has touched the lives of so many people - in Atlanta and beyond," said Tony Kidd, VP market manager programming, News/Talk 750 WSB. "Bill developed the model for efficient food collection and distribution that is now used throughout the United States. We congratulate him and the Atlanta Community Food Bank as they embark on their next 30 years."
Shining Light awards, which are eternally burning natural gas lamps, adorn many areas of Atlanta. Each historic gaslight is installed in a location that is meaningful to the recipient. Bolling's award will be unveiled on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at a public event in his honor at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta, 435 Peachtree St.
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Bolling joins an impressive list of Atlantans who have received the Shining Light Award, including: President Jimmy Carter; Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy; baseball legend Hank Aaron; U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young; Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd; the late former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson; founder of the Georgia Aquarium and Marcus Institute Bernie Marcus; as well as businessman and civil rights leader Jesse Hill, Jr.
Bolling founded the Atlanta Community Food Bank and has served as its executive director since 1979. In this capacity he oversees the distribution of more than 20 million pounds of food and grocery products each year through more than 800 local and regional nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry. Prior to his association with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, he served as director of community ministries for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta.
"All of Atlanta salutes Bill Bolling with the Shining Light Award," said John W. Somerhalder II, AGL Resources chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Without him, there would be no Atlanta Community Food Bank. It is exceptionally fitting that we honor him this year, when the Atlanta Community Food Bank celebrates its 30th anniversary, and when the need in our community for the Food Bank's services has never been greater. We celebrate Bill's vision, his passion and his commitment to be a voice for the underserved."
In addition to his work with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Bolling, who grew up in Lexington, N.C., is a frequent speaker on topics related to hunger, poverty, regionalism, affordable housing and public policy reform. He is a charter member of the Board of Directors of Feeding America, the national network of food banks (formerly America's Second Harvest). He also serves on the Regional Commission on Homelessness, the Nonprofit Advisory Committee of the Andrew Young School at Georgia State University, and the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta. He is founder of the Atlanta Housing Forum, begun in 1988, and continues to serve as moderator of the Regional Housing Forum. He is past chair of the Board of the Regional Leadership Forum and the State of Georgia Housing Trust Fund Commission.
"In addition to his outstanding organizational and management skills, Bill is a magnificent bridge-builder," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president, Atlanta Gas Light. "Through his ability to link just the right people and bring various public sectors and the business community together, he has found practical ways to fight hunger in Atlanta. The Atlanta Community Food Bank benefits those who need it most, and his efforts have strengthened our entire community in the process."
Beginning Oct. 12, WSB Radio will broadcast congratulatory messages to Bolling from several past award recipients. The announcements will also be streaming live on the station's Website, www.WSBRadio.com.
"Bill Bolling has touched the lives of so many people - in Atlanta and beyond," said Tony Kidd, VP market manager programming, News/Talk 750 WSB. "Bill developed the model for efficient food collection and distribution that is now used throughout the United States. We congratulate him and the Atlanta Community Food Bank as they embark on their next 30 years."
Shining Light awards, which are eternally burning natural gas lamps, adorn many areas of Atlanta. Each historic gaslight is installed in a location that is meaningful to the recipient. Bolling's award will be unveiled on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at a public event in his honor at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta, 435 Peachtree St.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Emory Is '2009 Sustainable Development' Leader
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Atlanta District Council has recognized Emory University for its comprehensive sustainability initiatives. The University received the institute’s annual Sustainable Development Award Sept. 24 for its projects and programs in Atlanta and for its sustainable campus development principles and practices.
“Being recognized by the Urban Land Institute for our sustainable campus development is truly an honor,” said Ciannat Howett, Emory’s director of sustainability initiatives. “Emory is committed to positively impacting the region and world and educating our students about the social and environmental implications of their daily choices. This is why we place such an emphasis on sustainable construction of our buildings, purchasing locally or sustainability-grown food, recycling and reusing resources, and educating the future leaders of tomorrow about sustainable behaviors and environmental issues.”
Emory’s dedication to sustainability can be seen by the numerous initiatives on campus, including: dedicating 54 percent of the campus as ‘green space;’ integrating sustainability into the curriculum; promoting alternative transportation; campus recycling efforts; working to create social equity; promoting local and sustainably grown food; and energy and water conservation.
Additionally, the University’s approach to sustainable development has resulted in Emory holding the distinction of having one of the largest inventories by square footage of LEED-certified building space among campuses in America.
The ULI is a non-profit organization that provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. ULI advocates progressive development, covering topics such as sustainability, smart growth, compact development, place making and workforce housing.
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“Being recognized by the Urban Land Institute for our sustainable campus development is truly an honor,” said Ciannat Howett, Emory’s director of sustainability initiatives. “Emory is committed to positively impacting the region and world and educating our students about the social and environmental implications of their daily choices. This is why we place such an emphasis on sustainable construction of our buildings, purchasing locally or sustainability-grown food, recycling and reusing resources, and educating the future leaders of tomorrow about sustainable behaviors and environmental issues.”
Emory’s dedication to sustainability can be seen by the numerous initiatives on campus, including: dedicating 54 percent of the campus as ‘green space;’ integrating sustainability into the curriculum; promoting alternative transportation; campus recycling efforts; working to create social equity; promoting local and sustainably grown food; and energy and water conservation.
Additionally, the University’s approach to sustainable development has resulted in Emory holding the distinction of having one of the largest inventories by square footage of LEED-certified building space among campuses in America.
The ULI is a non-profit organization that provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. ULI advocates progressive development, covering topics such as sustainability, smart growth, compact development, place making and workforce housing.
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Friday, September 11, 2009
Georgia Division of Aging Services Recognized for Organizational Excellence
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is only one step away from winning Georgia’s highest award for organizational performance excellence.
DAS will receive the Georgia Oglethorpe Progress Award on October 29 during the 2009 Georgia Oglethorpe Annual Conference and Awards Banquet at the Marriott Atlanta Century Center in Atlanta.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” said DHS Commissioner B.J. Walker. “To achieve this level of recognition demonstrates Georgia’s commitment to enhance how it delivers services to older adults.”
The Progress Award is the second phase of a three-phase award process that culminates with the Georgia Oglethorpe Award. To receive Georgia’s highest organizational honor, DAS must continue to show continued performance success.
“The DAS team appreciates this award as validation that we are on the right track and recognize the value of continuing this systematic approach for managing our business and improving service to our customers,” said DAS Director Maria Greene.
Georgia Oglethorpe is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Georgia Department of Labor. Its mission is to lead organizations to improve by providing education, assessment, feedback, and recognition based on the Georgia Oglethorpe Criteria for Performance Excellence. These criteria are based on standards used to award the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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DAS will receive the Georgia Oglethorpe Progress Award on October 29 during the 2009 Georgia Oglethorpe Annual Conference and Awards Banquet at the Marriott Atlanta Century Center in Atlanta.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” said DHS Commissioner B.J. Walker. “To achieve this level of recognition demonstrates Georgia’s commitment to enhance how it delivers services to older adults.”
The Progress Award is the second phase of a three-phase award process that culminates with the Georgia Oglethorpe Award. To receive Georgia’s highest organizational honor, DAS must continue to show continued performance success.
“The DAS team appreciates this award as validation that we are on the right track and recognize the value of continuing this systematic approach for managing our business and improving service to our customers,” said DAS Director Maria Greene.
Georgia Oglethorpe is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Georgia Department of Labor. Its mission is to lead organizations to improve by providing education, assessment, feedback, and recognition based on the Georgia Oglethorpe Criteria for Performance Excellence. These criteria are based on standards used to award the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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