Earlier today, the 2012 PACE Awards were presented in 13 categories to Georgia workplaces, schools and individual leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to improved mobility and air quality. Among those taking home an award were Jim Durrett, executive director of the Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID) and MARTA board member, and Jimmy John's Buckhead location.

Fifteen years ago, Durrett began working with employers on commute options – an effort which eventually led to the creation of The Clean Air Campaign. He also led the efforts of the Livable Communities Coalition, working with organizations to change land usage in order to minimize the number of cars on the roads and improve air quality. Under Durrett’s leadership, the Buckhead CID is spearheading rezoning efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, and the development of the GA 400 trail. Durrett also leads by example, biking to work whenever possible.

Jimmy John’s is known for “freaky fast” delivery of sub sandwiches, but when road construction in the  Buckhead area began hindering their quick-service guarantee, owner Chuck Sobczuk decided to kick the company’s courier service into high gear with expanded bicycle delivery. The success and dependability of the program grew the business, and Jimmy John’s is now up to 95 percent bicycle delivery with 19 bike couriers. Since ramping up bike delivery service, Sobczuk saves approximately $1,000 per month on fuel and parking expenses. Each day, the Jimmy John’s crew keeps pollution out of the air during lunch time deliveries. Additionally, store employees who commute to work via bicycle prevent 49 tons of pollution annually from being emitted. Sobczuk has made it mandatory for his employees to log their commutes and rewards his team for their efforts. Jimmy John’s cyclers have inspired others to use the bike lanes in the Buckhead community.

Now in its 12th year, the PACE Awards are presented by The Clean Air Campaign, in partnership with the region’s transportation management associations, RideSmart, and the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The PACE Awards recognize the best commute options programs in Georgia, celebrating the success of employers, property managers, schools and individuals in advancing the promise of cleaner air and less traffic. This year’s program theme, “In Good Company,” explored the sense of community among those working together to make Georgia a better play to live, work and play.

“It’s energizing to see the growing number of Georgia employers that understand the importance of reducing traffic congestion and improving the region’s air quality,” said Renay Blumenthal, Clean Air Campaign board chair. “The PACE Awards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who go above and beyond to improve the health and vitality of our communities.”

PACE Awards were presented in the following categories.

• Georgia Department of Transportation Leadership Award—Jim Durrett
• Best Overall Program
• Mid-Sized Employer – Agnes Scott College
• Large Employer – Federal Reserve Bank
• Property Manager – CBRE/271 17th Street Building
• Government Champions
• Federal Employer – Robins Air Force Base
• Local Employer – City of Milton 
• Most Innovative Program (Two winners) – Star Subs DBA Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches and UHS Pruitt
• Telework Catalyst – Assurant Specialty Property
• Clean Air Schools
• District of the Year – Cobb County Schools
• School of the Year – White Oak Elementary, Gwinnett County
• Champion of the Year – Jamee Douglas, teacher, Big Shanty Elementary
• Dr. Marlin R. Gottschalk Student Environmental Leadership Award – Zoe Spencer, OnAir teen blogger, Atlanta Public Schools
• UPS Exemplary Idle Reduction Program Award – Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Xpress (GRTA)

“Commute options programs are vital for effectively managing the increased demand on our roadways as our state continues to grow,” said Georgia DOT Director of Planning Toby Carr. “Georgia DOT applauds the many employers, individuals and schools, especially those honored today that are making significant contributions by encouraging the use of commute options.”

Also recognized were the 172 Georgia employers and property managers who qualified as Platinum Partners. To be eligible as a Platinum Partner, at least 20 percent of all employee or tenant trips to an employer’s worksite must involve alternatives to single-occupancy-vehicle trips, and companies must actively educate employees about commute options.  Property managers must offer at least five amenities that benefit commuters who use commute options.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium in downtown Atlanta.