Awards Program

William Hollingsworth Award of Excellence
The prestigious “William Hollingsworth Award of Excellence” will be presented again in 2008. The Hollingsworth Award is not open for nominations, but is voted by the CSDA Board of Directors. It will be awarded to the one individual who has been vigilant in his or her championing for special districts.

Mr. Hollingsworth was one of the “founding fathers” of CSDA and was one of the foremost advocates for special districts in the Capitol in the 1970s. Special districts and CSDA would not be what they are today were it not for Mr. Hollingsworth. In his honor, CSDA will be recognizing an individual who exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty and advocate extensively both for CSDA and special districts. This award is selected by the CSDA Board of Directors and CSDA does not accept applications.

Board President of the Year
Nominations may be submitted for Board President of the Year based on experience, effectiveness and leadership. Examples must be submitted that illustrate the rationale for the nomination. This award will be presented on Tuesday, September 23, at the CSDA Super Session at 1:15 pm.

General Manager of the Year
Nominations will be accepted for the general manager believed to have exhibited exceptional experience, effectiveness and leadership in his or her district. Illustrative examples must be submitted with the nomination. This award will be presented on Tuesday, September 23, at the CSDA Super Session at 1:15 pm.

Excellence in Community Service
Selected for outstanding volunteerism offered to youth, to seniors, on behalf of the environment or for public safety. District staff or elected officials qualify to receive this award. This award will be presented on Wednesday, September 24, at the CSDA Super Session at 2:45 pm.

CSDA Chapter of the Year
Chapters are important and integral entities to the effectiveness of California’s special districts. CSDA will present an award to one chapter nominated for its effectiveness in outreach, its involvement and creativity with activities on behalf of all districts in the chapter’s domain, and the chapter’s ongoing commitment to continuing education. This award will be presented on Wednesday, September 24, at the Chapters Reception at 5:30 pm.

Innovative Program Award
The criteria for this award includes originality of program, tangible and positive results and a documented decrease in district costs or a demonstrated improvement in the district’s quality of service without significantly increasing costs. Additionally, the program should be easily adaptable for other districts. This award will be presented on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:00 pm during the CSDA Awards Banquet.

Exceptional Public Outreach Award
The criteria for this award includes a demonstration of an increase in the district’s visibility with the public or the Legislature, an improvement in district-constituent communication, and evidence of communication pieces that are visually/graphically appealing and that include thorough and appropriate content relevant to district business. This award will be presented on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:00 pm during the CSDA Awards Banquet.

Legislative Advocate of the Year
Selected for effectiveness in advocating for the district at the local state and/or federal level. District staff or elected officials may be nominated for this award. This award will be presented on Thursday, September 25 at 10:30 am during the CSDA Closing Brunch.

Special District Risk Management Authority
> Earl F. Sayre/Property and Liability Safety Award for Excellence
> McMurchie/Workers’ Compensation Excellence in Safety Award
These awards will be given to SDRMA participating member districts, displaying and implementing an exceptional safety and loss prevention program and will be presented on Wednesday, September 24 at 9:30 am during the SDRMA sponsored breakfast.
The SDRMA Board will evaluate existing safety programs from their current members.
No applications for these awards will be accepted.

How to Enter (Application for CSDA Awards)
You must be a CSDA member in good standing.
1. Submit a cover letter including: district name, address, contact, email, authorized signature, whether you are a small district (budget up to $500,000) or large district (budget greater than $500,000) and the award for which you would like to be considered.
2. Submit copies of all applicable documentation (i.e., a brochure on the program, a letter of commendation to an individual, etc.) with an explanation of why you believe your program should be considered.
3. Submit your application by August 18, 2008 to the CSDA office: 1112 I Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814.
4. An external nonbiased public relations firm will be adjudicating.

Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Education Assistant Chris Ashley at the CSDA office toll-free at 877.924.CSDA or by email at chrisa@csda.net. All applicants will be notified prior to the Annual Conference. Winners will be notified and presented an award in Irvine! We look forward to receiving your submission.