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Environmental Responsibility Earns Awards |
DENVER, August 9, 2001 � Within a 24-hour period,
Amfac Parks & Resorts was notified that it received two prestigious
awards in recognition of its environmental initiatives. The awards were
the Department of Interior�s Environmental Achievement Award and the Travel
Industry Association�s (TIA) Odyssey Award in the Environment category.
Amfac Parks & Resorts is the country�s leading national park concessioner
and operator of facilities at parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
Amfac was the only concessioner � and one of only 13 winners in three categories �to receive the U.S. Department of Interior�s 2001 Environmental Achievement Award. The Department of Interior presents the Environmental Achievement Awards to recognize the achievements of its bureaus, employees and contractors in a broad range of environmental areas such as pollution prevention, recycling, sustainable design, environmentally preferable purchasing, environmental stewardship, auditing, environmental management systems and educational outreach. Several hundred entities submitted their programs. Amfac was selected for its efforts to minimize environmental impact while operating concessions at national parks with special recognition paid to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Yellowstone, Zion and Grand Canyon (South Rim) National Parks. Department of Interior judges singled out several park initiatives, including:
Odyssey Awards to recognize �excellence and exceptional achievements in travel and tourism.� The TIA Odyssey Award cited Amfac�s �comprehensive environmental management program which includes:�
�These two highly significant awards are a measurable reflection of the hard work and dedication of Amfac Parks & Resorts� employees, especially those who serve on our �green teams� at each location,� said Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of Amfac. �Amfac�s employees truly believe that it is a privilege to work in some of this country�s most beautiful places, and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to preserve them. This recognition for our environmental initiatives not only confirms we are making progress, but it also reinforces our commitment to continue � and to strengthen � our ongoing efforts. �Special recognition should also go to Chris Lane, director of environmental programs,� added Todd. �With his leadership, Amfac has added many new environmental initiatives as well as enhanced long-standing programs and policies. The result is we are on our way toward achieving our goal of being recognized as the most environmentally responsible concessioner in the business.� The company�s environmental successes have been supported by a corporate approach that includes creating an environmental mission statement, hiring a director of environmental programs, developing a company-wide environmental strategic plan, forming �Green Teams� at the properties, assessing the environmental impact of planned capital expenditures and sharing environmental information among the properties. In July, the company redeveloped its corporate mission statement by adding a commitment to the environment to its core values that it considers fundamental to its success. Specifically, the mission statement now says �Our business decisions balance economic viability with ecological responsibility. We reduce and recycle waste, conserve energy and water, and educate our guests and employees on environmental stewardship. We believe that increasing the sustainability of natural systems is not just good business. It is the right thing to do.� �Our goal is to weave that philosophy throughout all levels of this organization and to ensure it is part of everything we do,� said Todd. �Our industry�s success depends upon clean air, natural beauty and a healthy ecosystem.� Amfac operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National
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Amfac Parks & Resorts
14001 E. Iliff, Suite 600 Aurora, CO 80014 303.338.6000 [email protected] |
Also See: | North Georgia State Park Lodges Participating in Project Planet Environmental Program / July 1999 |