Metropolitan Pima Alliance Announces ’09 Common Ground Awards

Sept. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- Community projects and events that act as models of collaboration between the public sector, non-profits, community organizations and private businesses will be honored at a regional event next month.

The Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA), known for encouraging local public policy and conversations  between diverse groups on issues that improve regional quality of life and economic viability, will host the 2009 Common Ground Awards from  6 to 9 p.m. Oct.16 at Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way in Tucson. The event is open to the public.

The awards ceremony has eight categories, which include best archaeology and historic preservation; architecture, planning and development; economic development; events; green project; programs and studies; public policy; public works and revitalization. An award of distinction also will be given to two community projects that exhibited an extraordinary amount of collaboration and partnership to make their projects a reality.

“Whether it’s land, economic or community development, it’s important for our community to work together toward common goals,” said Michael Guymon, executive director of the MPA. “Our annual banquet is a way to recognize people and groups who understand the importance of collaboration, but also encourage other organizations to follow suit.”

Award finalists include organizations and projects that gained public attention, such as the Diamond Children’s Medical Center at University Medical Center, BIO5 Institute at The University of Arizona, Tucson Values Teachers, I-10 Road Widening Project and Tucson Festival of Books.

Guymon said one of the benefits to pursuing public and private partnerships is the cost-savings.

“The currently struggling economy has brought people together to figure out problems in a way that benefits a project fee and taxpayer investment,” he said. “Some creative policies have been implemented recently that demonstrate the public and private sector’s willingness to take the current economic conditions into account.”

This year’s banquet theme is “It’s a Zoo Out There!” and zoo handlers will provide animal demonstrations for guests to interact with handheld animals such as hedgehogs, tortoises, constrictor snakes and lizards.

Tickets are available at $80 for MPA members and $95 for non-members. Dinner and a cash bar will be provided.

For more information about the 2009 Common Ground Awards, visit http://www.mpaaz.org/events/common-ground or call (520) 751-1030.


ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN PIMA ALLIANCE:
The Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA) is an organization of business, government and non-profit leaders. MPA believes in the participation and contributions of the private business sector working in collaboration with governments, real-estate developers, homebuilders, engineers, architects, planners, construction sub-contractors and professional service providers. MPA’s goal is to participate, educate and influence public policy and decision-making for Metropolitan Pima County. For more information, visit http://www.mpaaz.org or call (520) 751-1030.