The Wildland Conservancy is seeking nominations for its annual Ark Award to recognize outstanding businesses working in the Lehigh River Valley that have combined exceptional business practices with resourceful approaches, techniques and knowledge resulting in significant protection of the environment, particularly land and water resources.

The deadline for nominations is September 28.

“Environmental protection and economic vitality are directly linked,” says Christopher Kocher, Wildlands president. “It is vital to recognize those firms that are committed to a mission that includes environmentally friendly business practices in addition to profitability.”

This year’s awards will be presented on November 6 at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Fifth Annual Membership Luncheon.

The Ark Award derives its name from the watercraft – the ark – that first carried coal to market on the Lehigh River in 1820. Arks floated down the river on the surge of water created by an innovative “bear-trap” locking system that significantly contributed to the start of the Lehigh Valley’s own Industrial Revolution 190 years ago.

Collaborating with public and private partners throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is critical for Wildlands to fulfill its mission. Air Products, Inc. has sponsored the Ark Award program for Wildlands Conservancy for the past six years. As a legacy partner with Wildlands, the company has generously supported the Conservancy over the years.

Last year’s Ark award winner was Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Other corporate winners were Agere Systems (now LSI Corporation), Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley, Just Born, Inc., PPL Corporation and Lafarge North America.

In order to nominate an organization, prepare a one-page summary of the nominee’s accomplishments and justification for receiving the award, along with the contact information of the nominee and the group or individual making the nomination.

Send nominations to: 2007 Ark Award Nomination Committee, c/o Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049.

8/31/2007