Awards in Excellence

Overview

The Western States Seismic Policy Council Awards in Excellence recognizes achievement in different areas of earthquake mitigation, preparedness and response. Since 1996, the Awards have been effective in sharing model programs and products, and recognizing the hard-working, creative and innovative efforts within the earthquake hazards reduction community.

WSSPC’s Awards in Excellence brings greater visibility to exemplary programs, products and policies and facilitates the transfer of those successful experiences to other agencies. Awards are presented at the WSSPC Annual Conference.

Eligibility
State, provincial, county, territorial or city governmental or non-profit agencies are eligible for the WSSPC Awards in Excellence.  Programs must be nominated by someone outside of the nominated agency.

Categories
Awards are in the following categories:

• Educational Outreach Programs (three areas awarded):
        Outreach to Business/Government
        Outreach to General Public
        Outreach to Schools

• Innovations (i.e. Private/Public Partnership)

• Legislation

• Mitigation Efforts

• Non-Profit Agency Efforts

• Research Projects

• Response Plans/Materials

• Use of New Technology

Selection Criteria
During the award selection process, the following questions are employed to determine whether the program, product or policy is eligible for further consideration:

• Is it a state/local/regional government or non-profit agency sponsored program or product?
• Does it represent a new and creative approach to problem(s) or issue(s)?
• Does the program or product address significant problem(s) or issue(s) that are local, regional or national in scope?
• Has the program been operational for at least one year (i.e., since one year before the time of submission of the nomination)?
• Has the program or product been effective in achieving its stated goals and purposes to this point?

• Could the program or product be easily transferred to other states or regions?

Award

WSSPC Awards in Excellence winners receive a plaque recognizing their achievement in the award categories during the Awards Banquet at the WSSPC Annual Conference, and will have an opportunity to display their winning projects.  One award is selected to receive the Overall Award in Excellence. Descriptions of each awarded program are posted on the WSSPC website.