For Immediate Release:
August 2, 2010
202.293.3390
Contact:
Marie L. Tibor, Director of Communications and Environmental Education
mtibor@aoba-metro.org
AOBA Announces Winners of New "Go Green Community Manager" Award
The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA) is pleased to announce three winners of a new "Go Green Community Manager" Award to recognize environmental stewardship among apartment building managers in the Washington, DC region. The award, part of AOBA's ongoing Energy Efficiency Education program, this year focused on engaging area apartment communities in the AOBA Earth Day 2010: 40 Days, 40 Ways to Take Action promotion, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of Earth Day.
The 2010 First Place winner ($500 prize), an employee of Scott Management Inc.,is Elaine Rizzo, Property Manager, Oakcrest Towers Apartments, a high-rise community of more than 1,500 apartments located in Forestville, MD.
A Special Recognition Award ($250 prize) will be shared by two employees of Kettler Management - Katherine Cordero, Property Manager of the Fields of Silver Spring, and Benita Diggs, Property Manager of The Fields of Bethesda. Jennifer Rucker, an employee of Realty Management Services, Inc. who serves as Senior Property Manager of The Aventine of Alexandria, will also receive a Special Recognition Award.
First Place winner Elaine Rizzo, a resident of Prince George's County, designed and implemented an Earth Day presentation for residents of Oakcrest Towers. Displays were placed in the community's lobbies and weekly notices were sent to residents promoting conservation and reuse strategies. A contest was held for children of the property with prizes for the best environmental ideas and drawings. Also, she followed up with activities and lobby events so that each resident had time to share their own ideas about how best to recycle, reuse and reduce.
"Thanks to Elaine Rizzo's impressive leadership, this project has been a huge hit at Oakcrest Towers. It helped our residents recognize that they can do small things that will make a positive difference and - months later – many are still engaged," said Ron McGrath of Scott Management, Inc.
Special recognition winner Katherine Codero focused on green education and offered green gifts for residents. Benita Diggs organized a "Community Dig" where residents planted a garden from seeds at the site's picnic area; she was also was instrumental in overseeing all of the projects that Kettler communities undertook during the 40 days leading up to Earth Day. And Jennifer Rucker organized events that included an organic cooking potluck, a green living craft workshop, children's games and an e-cycling day.
AOBA was fortunate to have four distinguished judges review all nominations for this new Go Green award program. This year's judges were: Lauren Boston, National Apartment Association; Deborah Cloutier, JDM Associates; Tom Mawson, US Green Building Council – National Capital Chapter; and Eileen Lee, National Multi Housing Council.
Each of our winners will receive their award at AOBA's Leadership Awards Luncheon on
Nov. 19, 2010 at the Capital Hilton Hotel.
For more info about AOBA, please visit www.aoba-metro.org.