Title
Awards and Recognition for Water Quality, Wastewater Management, Telecommunications, Solar Business Achievement, Climate Protection Initiatives and United Way Campaign (NB)
* SEPA (Solar Electric Power Association) Award for Solar Business Achievement in the area of Community Outreach and Public Awareness
* Florida Water Environment Association William D. Hatfield Award
* First Place in American Water Works Association Region XI Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest
* FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) Plan Operations Excellence Award
* Utilities Telecom Council "Apex Award"
* ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Milestone Awards
* APPA (American Public Power Association) Award of Continued Excellence
* FMEA (Florida Municipal Electric Association) Community Service Award
* Nomination for United Way's Inspiring Success Award
Explanation
SEPA Award for Solar Business Achievement in the area of Community Outreach and Public Awareness - For raising awareness of its solar Feed-in Tariff, GRU was awarded the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) Award for Solar Business Achievement in the area of Community Outreach and Public Awareness. Executive Director of SEPA Julia Hamm applauded GRU's efforts to bring customers and the solar industry together in development of a city-wide PV system.
Florida Water Environment Association William D. Hatfield Award - Jamie Hope was nominated by his peers for this award recognizing outstanding performance and professionalism in wastewater treatment plant operations.
First Place in American Water Works Association Region XI Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest - Recognized in North Central Florida region
FDEP Plant Operations Excellence Award - The Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility was recognized for demonstration of excellence in operation, maintenance and compliance; innovative treatment; waste reduction and pollution prevention; recycling; and other special achievements.
Utilities Telecom Council "Apex Award" - Presented to GRUCom, the Apex award recognizes utilities which do outstanding work in the field of telecommunications that benefit their community and citizens. GRUCom finished ahead of companies such as Austin Energy, Memphis Gas, Light & Water, and Progress Energy
ICLEI Milestone Awards - The City of Gainesville was recognized for its commitment to meeting specific criteria around the issues of climate protection and sustainable development. The award was received in front of an international gathering in Atlanta for accomplishing the first three of five milestones, which were: 1) conduct emissions inventory and forecast; 2) Set emissions reduction target; and 3) Develop local Climate Action Plan.
APPA Award of Continued Excellence - Demonstration of Energy-efficient Developments (DEED) program award recognizes the utility's long term commitment to energy innovation and its support of research and development projects aimed at improving efficiency and renewable resources for public power systems. "For almost 30 years, GRU has been an active member and supporter of DEED," said APPA President and CEO Mark Crisson. "It has been a pioneer in energy efficient developments, making notable strides in demand-side management, green energy and community partnership programs."
FMEA Community Service Award - In recognition of the outstanding programs and services provided to the community, and to the advancement of the goals and ideals of public power.
Nomination for United Way Inspiring Success Award - award goes to the organization with a campaign team that expresses their commitment to the United way's mission by rallying their peers with the most innovative and successful campaign.
Recommendations
The Awards are hereby presented for acknowledgement by the Gainesville City Commission. The awards recognize the ongoing commitment exhibited by GRU, the City of Gainesville, their employees and the community in supporting innovation and excellence.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact from this status report.
Drafter
Prepared by Lewis Walton, Marketing Manager, Utilities
Submitted by Robert E. Hunzinger, General Manager