Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Honored at 2009 National Keep America Beautiful Conference

Contact:
Linda Broadfoot
VP, Development and PR
lbroadfoot@kibi.org
o: 317.264.7555 x112
c: 317.223.5181

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Honored at 2009 National Keep America Beautiful Conference
Local Representatives Earn Recognition for Innovative Efforts

Indianapolis, IN (Dec. 8, 2009) – Keep Indianapolis Beautiful was honored December 3 at this year’s Keep America Beautiful National Conference for distinguishing itself as an exemplary affiliate organization. Taking first place in the national innovation awards, KIB was honored for its community improvement and beautification program, the Youth Tree Team.

The 56th Annual Keep America Beautiful National Conference, held in Washington, D.C., brought together award-winning affiliates from across the country to share best practices and celebrate the successes of the last 12 months. The Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Awards are open to all Keep America Beautiful affiliates for program activities during the 12-month period from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The honored affiliates encourage individuals to make simple daily choices and to engage in volunteer activities that improve their communities and the local environment.

The Keep America Beautiful Innovation Awards honor innovative partnerships and programs in the areas of litter prevention, beautification and community improvement, and waste minimization that support Keep America Beautiful affiliates and their missions. The winners are chosen by their peers.

“It is my privilege to celebrate Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and its dedication to improving the quality of life in its community while protecting the environment through its Youth Tree Team program,” said Matthew McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “Communities like Indianapolis serve as influential and inspiring leaders in our national effort to keep America beautiful.”

“Innovation is a key component of developing fresh, dynamic programs that will energize communities to improve their local environments,” said McKenna. “We applaud Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for developing a program like the Youth Tree Team that involve local citizens affecting positive change.”

Many components of KIB’s Youth Tree Team program were considered innovative. Besides earning a wage, youth gain life skills, learn specific job skills, meet green-collar professionals, and learn about the environment.
Teens interested in this employment program for 2010 will go through a three-step application process, starting with a challenge day on March 6 and followed by a volunteer project and an interview.

“We are honored to have our Youth Tree Team program recognized in this national setting. We would not have received such an honor without the hard work of the students in our Youth Tree Team program,” said David Forsell, President of KIB. “We are proud of our community improvement programs and plan to continue our efforts because there is always more that can be done.”

About Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit and an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s largest community improvement network. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. unites people to build community and transform public spaces through aesthetic and environmental improvement. To learn more, visit www.kibi.org.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

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