Broward County Climate Change Program Recognized By International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
Broward County received a Milestones Award from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).The award was for their excellence in developing a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for Broward County government and the public operations, and setting a GHG reduction target. ICLEI's Milestone Awards recognize those members that demonstrate a commitment to ICLEI's Five Milestone Methodology for climate mitigation. In photograph, left to right, is Eli Yewdall and Cyrus Bhedwar, LCLEI; Maribel Feliciano, Broward County Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division; British Consul General Annabelle Malins; and Andrea Pinabell of the Home Depot Foundation.
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
Broward County Commissioner Named "Woman of Distinction
"Broward County Commissioner Stacy Ritter was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the March of Dimes. Each year the March of Dimes honors women whose outstanding achievements both professionally and personally serve as an example in the Broward County community. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
Posted: Monday, November 9, 2009
Broward County Global Business Development Manager Elected Vice Chair and Chair-Elect of Florida Development Council
In May 2009, Deborah Wilkinson, Broward County Global Business Development Manager, was elected vice chair and chair-elect of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), the State’s professional association for economic developers. Wilkinson has been active as a Legislative Committee chair, Membership chair, and chair of the South Florida District which includes Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. An accomplished economic developer, Wilkinson will take the reins of leadership of FEDC in May 2010.
Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009
Broward County Commission Appoints
Kristin Jacobs to SFRTA
Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs has been appointed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to serve as their representative on the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority(SFRTA). Key to Commissioner Jacobs' vision for the future is reinventing Broward's urban corridors and downtown areas while building a sense of community through the principles of smart growth, affordable housing and easy-to-use transportation. She has consistently supported alternative transportation options including mass transit, Tri-Rail and a Regional Transportation Authority. The Authority's mission is to coordinate, develop and implement a viable regional transportation system in South Florida that endeavors to meet the desires and needs for the movement of people, goods and services.
Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Broward County Acknowledged for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Broward County for the 24th consecutive year by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The County's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (PDF) was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential user groups to read the report. The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional organization serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.
Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Broward County Road Project Named ASCE "Project of the Year"
Broward Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has chosen Broward County Water and Wastewater Services (WWS) as the recipient of its 2009 "Project of the Year" for WWS's 16-inch reclaimed water line on Wiles Road in the city of Coconut Creek. The Wiles Road Project took six months and was completed in August 2009 at a cost of $1.75 million. WWS staff and construction contractors installed 10,000 feet of 16-inch and 24-inch transmission mains. A key component of the work done included a directionally-drilled casing underneath the Turnpike, which eliminated the potential for traffic impacts to motorists. The new reclaimed water line ties into an existing reclaimed water system and provides an extension for additional future users of reclaimed water. Featured in the photo are Water and Wastewater Services employees who worked on the Wiles Road project.
Posted: Monday, October 12, 2009
Parks and Recreation’s 4-H Junior Master Gardner Program Wins Statewide Award
Broward County Parks and Recreation Division’s 4-H Junior Master Gardener program, which is part of the Division’s Extension Education Section, was named a Program of Excellence by the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents. The Junior Master Gardener program is a 4-H youth development program of the cooperative Extension Education system and involves a one- to two-year commitment for enrolled 4-H youths. Through Junior Master Gardener, young people in 4-H are able to take part in independent and group learning experiences, life skills, and career exploration.
Posted: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Broward County Receives WasteWise Partnership Certificate
The Waste Reduction Committee, part of the Broward County Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup, has obtained the WasteWise Partnership Certificate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. WasteWise Partnership is a voluntary program that seeks to reduce solid waste through innovative waste prevention and recycling techniques. The program encourages members to take on initiatives to prevent waste, recycle and buy recycled products. In April 2009, the Waste Reduction Committee submitted a baseline report on greenhouse gas emissions from Broward County government operations to the Environmental Protection Agency, which also captured the County’s current waste prevention, recycling, and buy-recycled activities with associated cost savings. Members of the Waste Reduction Committee include (from left to right) Sermin Unsal, Damaris Lugo, Kay Sommers, Peter Foye, Olga Ibarra and Laurie Thomas.
Posted: Monday, October 5, 2009
Mary Kilroy Named 2009 Broward County Transit Hero
Bus Operator Mary Kilroy was presented the 2009 Transit Hero award, one of the Broward County Transit’s (BCT) most prestigious awards established in 2002 to recognize an employee, individual or County resident for their heroic efforts on behalf of BCT passengers. Kilroy was chosen for the award for going above and beyond the call of duty when, on February 23, 2009, she recognized that a woman was in labor at a gas station and assisted with the delivery of her baby before the paramedics arrived. Operator Kilroy's quick and unselfish actions led to the safe delivery of a healthy 7-pound baby boy.
Posted: Monday, October 5, 2009
Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership Receives $96,000 State Challenge Grant
Broward County's Homeless Initiative Partnership has received a $96,000 state challenge grant from Office of Homelessness with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Overall, 23 communities received grants totaling more than $2 million. This is the second highest level of award. The grant will provide funding for bus passes and temporary shelter space through two agencies that can serve more than 32,000 homeless or at-risk homeless individuals and families. The two agencies are Task Force for Ending Homelessness and Coalition to End Homelessness.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009Award-Winning Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFCVB) received three prestigious Flagler Awards from VISIT FLORIDA, receiving top honors for the 2009 Vacation Planner in the promotional material category; "There's one thing all Americans can agree on. It's time for a getaway" post election newspaper ad with a donkey and an elephant sitting under an umbrella on the beach, placed in the New York Times; and the multiple billboards along the Long Island Expressway in New York for the outdoor category. The (GFCVB) was also awarded the Inner Circle Award of Excellence from Association Meetings. Meeting planners from Convention South Magazine selected Greater Fort Lauderdale for a Readers Choice Award, based on meeting space, commitment to service and creativity of staff.
September 2009
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Named President of the Florida Association of Medical Examiners
Broward County Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Stephen J. Cina, M.D., was appointed president of the Florida Association of Medical Examiners (FAME). FAME is committed to uphold excellence in the practice of forensic pathology for the public interest. FAME represents Florida's twenty-four medical examiner districts and provides networking opportunities, an atmosphere for professional development and a forum to discuss solutions to both professional and administrative issues that face district and associate medical examiners daily.
August 2009
Broward County Senior Manager Elected to NACRC Board of Directors
Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division's Paul Ketz, senior manager of business operations, was elected to the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials & Clerks (NACRC) Board of Directors. Ketz serves as secretary of the association. As an affiliate of the National Association of Counties, NACRC posts legislative updates on pending matters of national significance.
August 2009
Broward County Receives Coastal America Award/Presidential Recognition for Osborne Reef Tire Removal Project
Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management, Port Everglades and Parks and Recreation, along with representatives from the U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection received the Coastal America Partnership Award with special presidential recognition for the Florida Artificial Tire Reef Clean-up effort also known as the Osborne Reef Tire Removal Project. Coastal America is a unique partnership of federal agencies, state and local governments, and private organizations that work together to protect, preserve, and restore our nation's coasts.
August 2009
Four Broward County Employees Become LEED Accredited
Four project managers of the Broward County Construction Management Division have achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Accredited Professional designation from the U. S. Green Building Council. The new LEED professionals are Jaime Plana, Project Manager III; Catalina Goni, Project Manager III; Martha Bauer, Project Manager II; and Juan Catasus, Project Manager III. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process for new construction and major renovation projects. The LEED Green Building Rating System is designed to encourage energy and resource conservation in the construction and operation of buildings.
August 2009
Commissioner Lieberman Named President of Large Urban County Caucus Steering Committee
Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman was named chair of the National Association of Counties Large Urban County Caucus Steering Committee. The Large Urban County Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of elected county executives from across the nation representing more than 130 million people. Commissioner Lieberman also serves as the vice chair of National Association of Counties' Housing Subcommittee and is a member of the organization's Community and Economic Development Steering Committee. August 2009
West Park Honors Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin
Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin was honored by the city of West Park for her leadership role and financial assistance in the renovation of Mary Saunders Park in West Park. Improvements include a new covered basketball court, a new parking lot, tennis courts, baseball field, fencing, landscaping, and renovations to public facilities. The $820,000 park make-over was first approved through an inter-local agreement in 2005 when West Park became Broward County's newest city. A portion of the money was also appropriated from Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin's discretionary funds made available through the Safe Parks and Land Preservation Park Bond program for community park improvements. Located in southeast Broward County, West Park consists of neighborhoods from Miami Gardens, Carver Ranches, Lake Forest and Utopia. West Park borders Miami-Dade County on the south, Pembroke Park on the east, Hollywood on the north and Miramar on the west. August 2009
County Parks Recognized For Excellence
Broward County Parks and Recreation Division is the recipient of several awards from various annual special issues of local publications. In the "Best of" issue of New Times Broward/Palm Beach, three parks were honored: Barkham at Markham for Best Dog Park, Fern Forest Nature Center for Best Nature Trail, and Ski Rixen at Quiet Waters for Best Place To Get Wet. And South Florida Parenting's Kids Crown Awards issue singles out C.B. Smith Park's Paradise Cove as Best Water Park for Any Age, Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center for Best Nature Encounters and Preschool Nature Programs, Plantation Heritage Park for Best Park Playground for Kids, and T.Y. Park as Best "Old" Park That's Like Brand New. July 2009
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Garners Two Meetings Industry Awards
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has added two more acclamations to its list of industry awards: the 2009 World Class Award for outstanding service from Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, and a 2009 Distinctive Achievement Award from Association Conventions & Facilities. Each honor was awarded by the readers of these respective publications through open ballots inserted in recent issues. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes leisure and meeting/convention travel to Broward County. July 2009
Broward County Commissioners Honored by Florida Association of Counties
Commissioners Ilene Lieberman, and Kristin Jacobs, pictured from left, were given the 2009 Presidential Advocacy Award by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). The commissioners were selected for their active role in advocating on transportation, growth management, finance and taxation, public safety and administration, health and human services, and environmental issues during the 2009 legislative session in Tallahassee. FAC is the only association representing all 67 counties in Florida, represented by 377 county commissioners and supported by thousands of county professional staff.
July 2009
Broward County Library AfterSchool @Your Library Wins
Parenting Magazine Award
Libraries' Afterschool @ Your Library program won a Kids Crown award from South Florida Parenting magazine for Best Free Children's Service. The program is a partnership between Broward County and the Children's Services Council of Broward County that exists at 12 county Libraries and offers homework and computer-skill assistance and activities to promote positive social skills. July 2009
Purchasing Division Recognized for Earning the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
The Broward County Purchasing Division has once again earned the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute (NPI), which has been recognizing organizational excellence in public procurement since 1995.
The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) is awarded annually to procurement agencies that successfully apply and demonstrate excellence by obtaining a high score based on standardized criteria that measures innovation, professionalism, productivity, electronic-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization. June 2009
Two Broward County Agencies Earn Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties
Two Broward County agencies, Parks and Recreation Extension Education and Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection, received three 2009 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), given in recognition of "innovative county government programs."
Extension Education received an award for its volunteer program, the Mobile Extension Office Networks with Local Master Gardener Coordinators. The Broward County Master Gardener Coordinators operate 33 "Mobile Extension Offices" in 29 Broward cities, through Web pages, emails and an online Yahoo Group. This network has resulted in a 400 percent increase in public service, serving more than 49,000 residents per year.
Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection received two awards. The first was for the "Consumer Law/Assistance Internship," a partnership that allows law students to spend 50 hours working closely with staff members in Consumer Protection. Their second Achievement Award was for the presentation, "The World of Identity Theft," which provides helpful information about this crime, including how to avoid becoming a victim; how to tell if you are a victim; and what steps to take if you are. June 2009
Broward County Agencies Win 22 NACIO Awards Recognizing Outreach Efforts
Broward County has received 22 awards in the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence competition. This year's contest garnered approximately 377 entries from 22 states and 52 counties or county associations. Entries for the Awards of Excellence must have been completed by December 2008.
NACIO, an affiliate of the National Association of Counties with members from 3,066 counties, boroughs and parishes across the United States, holds the Awards of Excellence Competition each year to honor the best public information and community outreach efforts from counties nationwide. Categories included published reports and newsletters, promotional or informational brochures, writing and graphic design, photography and audio visual, special projects, community events and computer media.
Entries are classified in two segments, with county populations of less than and more than 500,000, and are ranked as superior, excellent or meritorious and best of class. Overall, Broward County won four superior, five excellent, 11 meritorious and two best of class ratings. Winning NACIO entries. June 2009
Transit-Housing Oriented Redevelopment Pilot Study Wins State Award
Broward County employees were among a team whose project earned a design award in the research category from the Florida Association of American Institute of Architects (AIA) in a statewide competition. The award will be presented at the annual state AIA conference on August 1 in Tampa. The winning project is the Transit-Housing Oriented Redevelopment Pilot Study for the State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard corridors.
The project examines strategies to encourage redevelopment of the corridors, increase housing options and transit use, and redirect growth from the adjacent residential neighborhoods. John Ramos, transportation planner with the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, was the project's contract administrator, and James Cromar, principal planner with Broward County Planning and Redevelopment, was the pilot project grant coordinator.
The AIA Florida awards program is an annual blind reviewed and juried awards competition. June 2009
