• Second annual Intelligent Use of Water Award seeks nominations of "Difference-Makers" whose leadership, innovation and commitment has led to improved landscape water conservation
AZUSA, CA, April 9, 2008 -- Rain Bird Corporation, a leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, is seeking nominations for the 2008 Intelligent Use of Water Award, which recognizes persons or organizations whose innovation, leadership, ingenuity and overall commitment to improved landscape water efficiency has raised the standard for outdoor water conservation.
Both consumers and professionals (industry and non-industry) are encouraged to submit their nominations for the 2008 Intelligent Use of Water Award by completing a nomination form at http://www.rainbird.com/iuow/award.htm. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2008.
Following the close of the nomination period, an independent panel of experts will select the finalists and winner based on their demonstrated leadership, innovation and implementation of water-efficient measures. The recipient of the 2008 Intelligent Use of Water Award will receive $10,000 in acknowledgment of their contributions toward protecting Earth's most precious resource. They will also be featured in a short film highlighting their contributions to outdoor water conservation, which will be shown at the final screening event of the Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition (www.iuowfilm.com) in Los Angeles on October 11, 2008.
Emanating from the same ideals that provide the basis for Rain Bird's core commitment to The Intelligent Use of Water, the Intelligent Use of Water Award seeks to bring about a greater knowledge and awareness of the need for water conservation. In 2007, The Water Conservation Garden in San Diego County, Calif. received the inaugural Intelligent Use of Water Award in recognition of their more than 5 acres of exhibits and training programs that teach the public how to better conserve water in the landscape.
"As more and more demand is placed on the world's supply of fresh water, increased scrutiny of water use leaves professionals, businesses and everyday consumers to find and implement practical solutions that provide both economic and environmental benefits," said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's Director of Corporate Marketing. "By recognizing these achievements through the Intelligent Use of Water Award, we aim to inspire others to do the same."
The 2008 Intelligent Use of Water Award will be judged by an esteemed panel of landscape and water-efficiency experts, each with a unique understanding of the relationship between better landscape designs and reduced landscape water waste. Returning as judges for the second annual Intelligent Use of Water Award are:
• Elizabeth Cutright, Editor, Water Efficiency, The Journal for Water Conservation Professionals
• Dan Stark, Executive Director of the American Public Gardens Association
• Ron Stoltz, Director of the School of Landscape Architecture at The University of Arizona
In addition, Marty Eberhardt, Executive Director of The Water Conservation Garden, winner of the 2007 Intelligent Use of Water Award, will join this year's judging panel.
Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water Award is the most recent example in the company's history of creating programs and initiatives to boost awareness of water conservation. Rain Bird devotes significant resources to its Intelligent Use of Water public education initiatives, which include: The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition; bi-annual Intelligent Use of Water Summits; a series of white papers; public service announcements; membership on the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the steering committee advising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its WaterSense product labeling program; partnerships with non-profit organizations; development and support of elementary and middle school curriculums; and participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, an annual worldwide stage to communicate the need for water conservation.
Based in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is a leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services.
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