Camp Venture Receives New York State 2009 Environmental Excellence Award
December 16, 2009

Camp Venture, Inc. was one of four organizations honored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as 2009 Environmental Excellence Award winners. The award was presented by New York State DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis at a ceremony on Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Albany headquarters. The award was created six years ago to honor organizations and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in solving environmental challenges by using innovative and environmentally sustainable partnerships or creative practices.

Camp Venture was recognized for its greening practices as well as the installation of photovoltaic systems (solar power) on two community residences and an adult day program all of which are located in Nanuet. According to the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities the Venture group homes are the first out of 5,995 statewide that utilize solar.  “We are delighted with this designation which recognizes our commitment to operating in a manner that is both environmentally sustainable and cost effective. We are committed to continuing to find savings and reducing our impact on the environment” Venture Chief Operating officer George Hoehmann offered while receiving the award on behalf of the agency Monday.

Venture Executive Director Dan Lukens offered that “the ongoing commitment to innovation and renewable energy will help us reduce costs while also being responsible to our environment. Our staff and consumers realize that we can all do more to help the environment and also save money it is a win, win for everyone.”

The Department of Environmental Conservation created the Environmental Excellence Awards in 2004 to recognize leadership and outstanding achievements and designates winners in December of every year. According to NYS DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis, a statewide committee composed of twenty staff and volunteers review submissions in various categories from all over the state and recommended the winners. Camp Venture was the only not-for-profit recognized this year along with three municipalities including the Town of North Hempstead, Long Island, the Town of Islip, Suffolk County and Monroe County.

According to Commissioner Grannis, “The pioneering projects selected for today’s recognition are outstanding examples of how local governments, private businesses and communities can come together to work through some of today’s toughest environmental challenges. Each of today’s winners has had a positive impact on the environment and made significant contributions to the protection and stewardship of our natural resources.”

As part of the award a summary of all four winning projects will be posted to the DEC website and a display created that will remain in the lobby of the headquarters building through December 2010.

For further information on Camp Venture greening and solar projects visit www.campventure.org.