Pennsylvania Resources Council Celebrates 70th Anniversary

The Pennsylvania Resources Council hosted a milestone event on November 12 marking PRC’s 70th anniversary as the Commonwealth’s oldest, grassroots, environmental advocacy organization.

Attendees and guests were presented with a brief retrospect of PRC’s past accomplishments and highlights of the future of the organization.

Special recognition was given to Covanta Energy, the premier sponsor of the event. Recognition was also given to various sponsors from across the Commonwealth who have provided continued support to PRC, including Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, The Hershey Company, Pembroke North, Waste Management and Wawa, Inc. to name a few.

“This event is a testament to the success of our organization over the last 70 years of bringing together the community, various businesses leaders, and our government for one purpose – preserving our state’s natural resources,” said Larry Myers, Executive Director of PRC.

“Through partnerships with companies like Covanta Energy, we can continue to bring new perspectives and solutions to tackling some of the environmental challenges that we face,” continued Myers.

PRC was also honored for its continued work as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s environment. PRC was presented with a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” from Congressman Joseph Sestak. Senators Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) and Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) and the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania presented additional certificates of recognition.

Steve Cordasco and Joe Besecker, hosts of “The Big Money Show” on WPHT radio, emceed the evening and entertainment was provided by instrumental soloist, Rob Carroll. A few brief interviews were conducted at the event with past PRC staff and Board members reflecting on achievements and changes over the past seven decades.

Interviewees included Dorothy Hermani (PRC Board member), Patricia Imperato (past Executive Director of PRC), Ruth Becker (PRC’s first Executive Director), Honorable Carol Rubley (former State Representative and PRC Board member) and Joan Batory (former PRC Board President).

Special recognition plaques were presented to PRC’s past presidents, executive directors, and the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. The GCFP is recognized as one of the founders of PRC.

PRC’s Annual Awards Dinner traditionally brings together more than 200 business, government, and community leaders from throughout Pennsylvania.

For 70 years, PRC has been working with such leaders to create solutions to environmental challenges and to reach out to the community through its educational and service programs. These programs serve to inform and encourage current and future leaders to take an active role in promoting sustainable living and conserving our natural resources.

Established in 1939 to reduce roadside litter and to fight illegal billboards, PRC is the Commonwealth’s oldest, grassroots, non-profit environmental advocacy organization. PRC seeks to bring multiple stakeholders (including many of the local and state-level legislative representatives) together through education and events to work through environmental issues, such as litter control, recycling, alternative energy, and sustainable living.

The organization’s headquarters is located in Ridley Creek State Park, Delaware County, with a regional office in Pittsburgh and satellite operations in the Harrisburg-Lancaster-York region. For additional information, please visit the PA Resources Council website.