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Cathy
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Twelve local organizations and three individuals received top honors at the 2002 Diamond Awards event January 22. The Commuter Challenge Diamond Awards are King County’s most prestigious awards for achievement and innovation in work site programs that reduce drive-alone commuting. SAFECO was singled out as a Diamond Ring winner for leadership over time.
Winners were selected from nearly 600 work sites affected by the 1991 Commute Trip Reduction Law and other voluntary programs. Commuter Challenge named 108 of these work sites “Pacesetters” for commitment to reducing commute trips.
This year’s Diamond Awards ceremony paid special tribute to Cathy Cole, Commuter Challenge executive director, who passed away January 2. Cole was a beloved and respected advocate for commuting options who guided Commuter Challenge for 12 years. The non-profit organization she established has become a unique conduit for collaboration between business and government on transportation issues.
Stuart Elway, president of Elway Research Inc. and a leading expert at measuring and analyzing public opinion, addressed the winners at the breakfast ceremony. Elway discussed what Washington voters said at the polls in 2002 and what the future might hold. His remarks underlined the recent calls for more effective elected officials, but also delved into the relationship between great leaders and responsible citizens.
This year’s advertising campaign reminds us that “Leaders see solutions… where others see only problems.” Nearly 400 radio spots aired in a four-week period on KIRO 710 AM, KING 98.1 FM and public radio KUOW 94.9 FM, directing listeners to www.TheWinners.com. The campaign message and recognition of the winners are also being promoted through public relations and direct mail efforts.
The Pacesetter newsletter is online at www.CommuterChallenge.org.
The web version also
features:
• Stuart Elway’s keynote
address
• A tribute to Cathy Cole
• Complete profiles
of winners