Northview HS Teacher Wins 2013 PACE Award

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the 2013 PACE Awards were presented in 12 categories to employers, schools, property managers and individuals who are devoted to improved mobility and air quality in the region. 

Now in its 13th year, the PACE Awards are presented by The Clean Air Campaign, in partnership with the region’s transportation management associations and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

Jason Weinberger, a teacher at Northview High School in Johns Creek was given the "Champion of the Year" award.

“As metro Atlanta’s population continues to grow, commute options programs are essential for effectively managing the increased demand on our roadways and sustaining quality of life in our region,” said Clean Air Campaign executive director, Tedra Cheatham. “The many partners involved in Georgia Commute Options programs appreciate the efforts of all the employers, individuals and schools, especially those honored today, that are doing their part to reduce traffic and improve air quality.”

PACE Awards were presented in the following categories. (See backgrounder for more information).

·       GDOT Leadership Award— Kerry Armstrong, North Fulton Community Improvement District

·       Best Overall Program

·       Mid-Sized Employer – The Hartford

·       Large Employer – Delta Air Lines

·       Property Manager – Seven Oaks Management for Perimeter Summit

·       Government Champions

·       State Employer – Georgia Institute of Technology

·       Local Employer – Gwinnett County Government

·       Telework Catalyst – State of Georgia

·       Clean Air Schools

·       District of the Year – Rockdale County Schools

·       School of the Year – Honey Creek Elementary, Rockdale County

·       Champion of the Year – Jason Weinberger, teacher, Northview High School

·       Dr. M. Gottschalk Student Environmental Leadership Award – Angela Henderson, Kemp Elementary

·       UPS Exemplary Idle Reduction Program– Gwinnett County Government

Some 184 Platinum Partner organizations were also recognized during the celebration. To qualify as a Platinum Partner, at least 20 percent of all employee trips to an employer’s worksite must involve alternatives to driving alone, and companies must actively educate employees about commute options.  Property managers must also offer at least five amenities onsite that support commute options.

The theme for the 2013 PACE Awards program explored the many ways that workplaces and individuals are banding together for sustainable transportation through their involvement in Georgia Commute Options, a suite of programs that combine all of metro Atlanta’s alternate commute resources including commuter incentive programs, ridematching, employer services, telework consulting and more.

The ceremony was held at the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium in downtown Atlanta.

About Georgia Commute Options

Georgia Commute Options is a joint effort between the Georgia Department of Transportation, The Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta Regional Commission and the region’s transportation management associations that help commuters and employers take advantage of commute alternatives. Georgia Commute Options allows a network of partners to market customized commute options for employers and provides assistance and financial incentives for commuters. Each day, these programs eliminate 1.1 million miles of vehicle travel and save commuters a combined $500,000 on gas and car expenses. For more information, visit www.GACommuteOptions.com or call 1-877-9-GA-OPTIONS. Georgia Commute Options is also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About The Clean Air Campaign

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia employers, commuters and K-12 schools to encourage actions that result in better air quality and less traffic congestion. The Clean Air Campaign, along with its partner organizations, facilitates Georgia Commute Options, a program that helps employers and commuters choose alternatives to driving alone. Through its Clean Air Schools program, the non-profit also empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and improving air quality through an action-oriented education program. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alert notifications. In conducting these programs, The Clean Air Campaign works in partnership with The Georgia Department of Transportation.

For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org. You can also find The Clean Air Campaign on Facebook at facebook.com/CleanAirCampaign and facebook.com/groups/cleanairschools Twitter at twitter.com/cleanairga and YouTube at youtube.com/GaCleanAirCampaign.