Register Now for 2009 Emeralds

SWACO Honors Environmental Excellence

Registration is now available for SWACO’s Fourth Annual Central Ohio Emeralds.  The event, presented by FirmGreen, is set for 11:30am on May 12, 2009 at the Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd. (across from Easton).  Communities, organizations, businesses, schools, and individuals will be honored in six categories; Leadership, Partnership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Education, and Litter Clean up.

SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills welcomes all to the event.  “In four quick years, we have seen the Emeralds grow to become the premier green event in Greater Columbus.  Once again the quality of the award entries is outstanding.  Our independent panel of judges will find their choices very hard to make.”

Registration for the 2009 Central Ohio Emeralds are $35 each or $350 for a table of 10.  There is a discount for non-profit organizations.  Click on the green banner at  www.swaco.org to register.

The speaker for the 2009 Emeralds is Robert Rayborn, of Turner Construction. The LEED Accredited Professional is currently the Project Director for Turner’s role at the new Orlando Events Center, a $380 million, 875,000 square foot, 20,000 seat events center for the Orlando Magic NBA franchise.  When his work is completed there, Rayborn will take over as Project Director for the Turner/HNTB Design-Build role on the new San Francisco 49ers Stadium.

Twenty (20) of Rayborn’s 30-year career in the construction industry has been directly involved with the design and construction of sports facilities.  During that time span, he has worked on 4 MLB, 2 NBA, 2 NFL, and 2 NHL stadiums and arenas, in addition to the more than 6 minor league and collegiate sports facilities.  That includes oversight of Huntington Park, the new home of the Columbus Clippers. 

Mr. Mike Jackson of WCMH-TV will emcee the Emerald Awards.   The Presenting sponsor for The 2009 Central Ohio Emeralds is FirmGreen Inc.  Additional support is provided by Coca Cola, Kurtz Brothers, Rumpke, and Ohio Mulch.  Media sponsors are WWCD-FM and Columbus Business First.

SWACO is the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.  We believe today’s throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow.  In doing so, we act as a catalyst to bring “Smart Solutions for Reducing Waste to Central Ohio.  SWACO also provides consumers recycling opportunities around Franklin County (Ohio) through 200 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, at Columbus City Schools, The Greater Columbus Arts Festival and other locations.  SWACO provides leadership and advice for businesses wishing to begin recycling and waste reduction programs as well.  We also operate the Franklin County Landfill, three transfer stations, and other programs.   More on SWACO at www.swaco.org.