This Month
SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
California Transportation Commission holds hearing
at SANDAG
511 celebrates its first year
in operation
Alcohol-related fatalities decline, but DUIs remain concern
Local companies can glitter
with Diamond Awards
Free workshop aims to
increase workplace flexibility
Work begins on
SR 52 extension
SANDAG receives
upgraded bond ratings
January Board Actions available online
Local companies can glitter
with Diamond Awards 
RideLink is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2008 Diamond Awards, which honor organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the San Diego region.
Please nominate a public/private organization or an individual for one of these distinguished awards! Self-nominations are encouraged. Diamond Awards winners will be honored at the March 28, 2008 SANDAG Board of Directors meeting.
Organizations of all sizes have been honored with a Diamond Award. Three local companies honored last year include Best Best & Krieger, Raytheon Company, and Catalyst Advancement LLC. Best Best & Krieger is a full-service law firm with more than 195 attorneys in eight offices throughout California. Their downtown San Diego office is challenged by limited parking. Best Best & Krieger provide their employees fully subsidized transit passes. Other alternatives offered are telework and flexible schedule options. All employees take advantage of at least one of these options.
Raytheon Company provides subsidies to employees who use public transportation. The company also offers bike lockers, flexible work schedules, onsite showers, onsite dining center, and designated parking for hybrid cars. The company also posts vanpool information for employees.
Catalyst Advancement LLC is a small employer, with only five full-time employees. Almost every employee has the option to telework and the appropriate equipment was provided to encourage employees to work from home. Not only do employees work offsite, but they also carpool to business meetings.
Award Nomination Criteria
The 2008 Diamond Awards categories include Program Excellence, Innovation, Marketing, Ongoing Commitment, and Best New Program. The nomination form must describe the transportation demand management program(s) being implemented such as promoting the use of public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, offering incentives or subsidies, and supporting alternative work hours and/or teleworking. Additionally, nominees should indicate how the programs, activities, or incentives have helped to increase employee participation.
Category Descriptions
Program Excellence
For overall program implementation and success
Innovation
New solutions to employer transportation challenges
Marketing
Creative outreach effort to employees
Ongoing Commitment
Program has been sustained for a number of years
Best New Program
A new submittal for a Diamond Award or a program that
has been implemented in the last 18 months
Nomination Process
Nominations are open to all individuals, businesses, organizations, and public or private agencies that maintain an employee transportation program in San Diego County. Up to two winners may be named in each category. The nomination deadline is February 15, 2008, at 4 p.m. Nominations may be submitted via e-mail, fax, or mail. Please use the link below to complete the nomination form.
Project Manager:
Kim Weinstein, Associate Regional Planner
Phone: (619) 699-0725, E-mail: kwe@sandag.org