Advancement of Education and Public Information

Award Description

News of dwindling energy supplies, rising prices, and stories of severe environmental impacts caused by energy use are repeatedly emblazoned across today’s electronic and print media. It has become increasingly difficult for the average citizen to discern between accurate information and hype when they form opinions or make choices regarding energy.

Given the amount and detail of information available, as well as the growing marketing budgets and influence of anti-coal groups, many in the public are understandably misinformed about coal’s role in our nation’s energy supply.
It is, therefore, increasingly important that the industry work to proactively provide the public with easy to understand, bias-balanced, and accurate information on the costs, benefits, and environmental aspects of coal-fueled energy.

In this category, judges will consider the willingness and ability of the nominee to produce educational or promotional material and media that presents accurate and concise information on the coal industry. Judges will consider the ability of the material and media to advance the message that coal is an economic, abundant/secure, and environmentally sound fuel source. This award recognizes the company or individual that produced the most effective and memorable educational program
or message within the past year.

Judging Criteria

Quality and accuracy of information
Clarity of communication
Ease of understanding
Creativity and memorableness
Production values / use of technology
Ability to reach and influence intended audience
Effectiveness in advancing the development and utilization of coal as an economic, abundant and environmentally sound fuel source

Public Service & Community Development

Award Description

As members of their communities and also as a matter of basic business survival, companies and their employees are typically active in helping to develop and improve their communities. However, through their willingness to participate in and fund local development and enhancement projects a certain few organizations play an enhanced or special role in their communities and regions.

Judges will consider the role that an organization plays in enhancing the community (communities) in which it operates. Judges will also consider the role played by management and the extent of employee involvement in the process. This award recognizes the role of a corporation in bettering their local communities through direct involvement in community organizations and projects.

Judging Criteria

An organization-wide award
Level of employee participation and commitment
Management participation/buy-in/encouragement
Degree of usefulness to public or community
Timeliness of service

Industry Advocacy Leadership (“The Industry
Cheerleader Award”)

Award Description

Every industry has a person that acts as a leader and tireless cheerleader.

It takes an unusual level of dedication, initiative and ability, but this person manages to make the industry a better place for everyone around him/her. S/he might be a CEO that spurs his/her organization beyond simple economic success to establish it as an industry leader. Or, s/he may be that dedicated employee who helps motivate an organization through his/her hard work and by personal example.

Regardless of their position in a company, these industry leaders and cheerleaders are still looked up to as providing an example of both vision and productivity that encourages more from their contemporaries. They are seen as the “go to” person for information, advice, and direction when others need it. This award will recognize individual(s) who provide a positive, proactive example to their co-workers and the coal industry at large.

Judging Criteria

An individual award
Ethical history
Vision
Involvement in the industry
Productivity
Leadership
Involvement in advocacy for the industry

Achievements in Energy Efficiency

Award Description

The coal industry has its work cut out for it when developing and implementing efficiency programs. Unfortunately, historical emissions issues and an outdated “Dickensian” concept of coal as necessarily dirty have colored the public’s perception of coal use. To address that perception, coal companies not only have to move beyond meeting regulatory requirements, they need to be energy sector leaders in implementing innovative, efficient, and clean technologies.

Some companies are trailblazers on the efficiency front and are able to find new, creative, and useful methods of cutting their demands for energy, reducing overall emissions, and improving their environmental record. In doing so, they set an example and provide tried and tested methods to better efficiency and environmental records for others in the industry.

Judges will consider the role that an organization plays in developing creative efficiency programs that help to reduce demand for energy and the emissions associated with energy use. Judges will also consider the company’s ability to promote efficient operations throughout the industry, the role played by management, and the extent of employee involvement in the process.

Judging Criteria

Ability to implement effective efficiency programs that reduce energy demands and decrease emissions
Ability to address and move beyond regulatory requirements and/or public expectations (“trend-setting” factor)
Ability to meet their environmental challenge in an economically efficient manner
Innovation
Level of employee participation and commitment
Management participation/buy-in/encouragement

Career Development

Award Description

The coal industry – including mining, utility, transportation, ports & terminals, and allied service industries – is facing an employment crunch.

With the average age of employees in the coal industry nearing 50 years old, many in the industry are winding down their careers. In fact, by 2011, fully one-third to one-half of coal industry employees could retire.

Those statistics mean the industry needs new people. Many companies are stepping up to the plate to encourage a new generation of engineers, technicians, geologists, environmental scientists, miners, and a host of other industry employees to fill the void being left by retiring members. These companies are developing innovative means of retaining mature employees as trainers and mentors; they are helping colleges and universities to develop new programs, grants and funding opportunities; they are doing the on-the-ground work of finding and training the next generation of our industry.

Judges will consider the role that an organization plays in developing new opportunities or training programs that are specifically aimed at employee retention and/or the hiring and training of new coal industry employees. Judges will also consider the company’s ability to better employee career options and personal development opportunities, as well as the role played by management and the extent of employee involvement in the process.

Judging Criteria