The Sacramento Metro Chamber was among several honorees recognized by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments for outstanding regional efforts in transportation, smart-growth planning and air quality.

Eight organizations and individuals whose achievements and innovations made a significant difference in the Sacramento region in 2009 were honored on Thursday, Dec. 17. This is the 11th year SACOG has recognized outstanding work by organizations, businesses and individuals through this program.

Organization of the Year: Sacramento Metro Chamber for collaborative efforts to represent the Sacramento region in local, state and federal advocacy. The Metro Chamber first won the award in 2000.

Project of the Year: City of Folsom for multi-agency collaboration and project delivery for the Folsom Lake Crossing.

Blueprint Excellence: City of Winters for downtown redevelopment and Blueprint implementation.

Business of the Year: VSP Vision Care for CO2 reductions through alternative mode transportation, and use of eco-friendly materials and operations.

Employee of the Year: Toni Barry, Sacramento County for collaboration to create the Sacramento Green Partnership and its work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

Employee of the Year: Jim Mills, Produce Express for creating local farm distribution to restaurants and helping to build a market for local small farms.

Mary Brill Youth Excellence: El Dorado Youth Commission for community organizing that informed the Environmental
Vision for El Dorado County.

Special Recognition: El Dorado County Department of Transportation for El Dorado trail improvements that add connectivity to major business hubs.

For further information on the awards, categories and past recipients, contact Erik Johnson at 916-321-9000 or visit: www.sacog.org/about/categories.cfm.