Applications are now available for employers, property managers and schools to showcase actions for cleaner air and less traffic

(ATLANTA – May 23, 2012) The Clean Air Campaign, together with the region’s transportation management associations and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), has issued a call for entries for the 12th annual PACE Awards. The PACE Awards recognize and celebrate the success of employers, property managers, schools and individuals in advancing the promise of cleaner air and less traffic.

This year’s competition will honor the best commute options programs across the region and around Georgia for their commitment and leadership in promoting commute alternatives. Platinum Partner organizations and Clean Air Commuter Champions whose actions have kept at least 50,000 pounds of pollution out of the air will also be recognized.

Award entry forms are now available at The Clean Air Campaign’s website, CleanAirCampaign.org, or by calling 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624). Winners will be announced at the 2012 PACE Awards ceremony, to be held on Wednesday morning, November 7 at the Georgia Pacific auditorium in downtown Atlanta, located next to the Peachtree Center MARTA station. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, August 31 at 4 p.m.

PACE Awards will be presented for the following categories:

• Best Overall Program – Private Sector Employers and Property Managers
• Best Overall Program – Public Sector Employers
• Most Innovative Commute Options Program – Private and Public Sector Employers and Property Managers
• Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner’s Award
• Telework Catalyst
• School Champions

“Air quality and traffic congestion are two of the biggest challenges facing our region,” said Tedra Cheatham, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “The PACE Awards is a celebration of the good work of employers, property managers, schools and individuals whose progressive ideas and vision are making a positive impact.”

The most recent PACE Awards winners include: Booz Allen Hamilton; Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan; St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Jamestown Commercial Management; Georgia Department of Administrative Services; Fulton County Government; City of Roswell; Cobb EMC; Vocalocity; Sally Silver: Deputy Brian Reents;  Gwinnett Public Schools; and Evansdale Elementary.

WABE 90.1 FM is sponsoring the 2012 PACE Awards, and winners will be recognized on WABE following the November 7 event.

About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with more than 1,600 Georgia employers, tens of thousands of commuters and more than 300 K-12 schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality.  In conducting these programs, The Clean Air Campaign works in partnership with The Georgia Department of Transportation.

The Clean Air Campaign, along with partner organizations, creates customized commute options programs for employers; provides assistance and financial incentives to commuters that enable the use of commute alternatives; and empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and improving air quality through an action-oriented school program.  The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alert notifications.

Each day, these programs reduce 1.4 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 700 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe.  For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org.

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