Rain Bird® Corporation, the leading manufacturer of irrigation products and services, was named the recipient of the 2003 R. Marlin Perkins Conservation Organization of the Year Award in recognition of the company's strong commitment to fostering programs and educational initiatives that instill the importance of environmental preservation and water conservation on a global basis.
The award, presented by St. Louis, Missouri-based World Bird Sanctuary, is given annually to the organization that best meets the overall criteria of exhibiting concern and interest in the plight of all wildlife species and their respective environments, as determined by a panel of judges culled from the World Bird Sanctuary's senior management.
"This is a great honor for Rain Bird. We have been at the forefront of irrigation technology for nearly 70 years, and water conservation has always been at the core of our philosophy," said Rain Bird Corporate Marketing Brand Manager Stacy Sharkey. "Rain Bird is deeply concerned with the environment and is committed to promoting stewardship of the Earth's resources; of which water is among the most precious."
"This award recognizes that our focus on conservation extends beyond products and services, and into efforts that motivate our industry partners and the public-at-large to use water in the most efficient manner possible. Whether it is through our grade school teaching curriculums, our sponsorship of three hands-on environmental learning centers at Cal Poly Pomona, or by reaching the broader community through our award-winning history of participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade, Rain Bird's commitment to environmental conservation resonates strong," Sharkey continued.
The award, named after the late R. Marlin Perkins, former member of the World Bird Sanctuary Advisory Board of Directors, and host of the "Wild Kingdom" television program which brought wildlife into American living rooms for 21 years, has been awarded just 7 times in the past 14 years, and serves to honor organizations that support the efforts of those working to preserve wildlife and their habitats through education, financial support and by conducting business in a manner that is consistent with these principles.
"Rain Bird's devotion to sharing the knowledge, values and behaviors that embrace environmental and water conservation make the company a natural fit for this award," said World Bird Sanctuary Executive Director Walter C. Crawford Jr. "Rain Bird serves as an example to others, through the way that they do business, working together to protect wildlife and the habitats in which they live."
Rain Bird was officially presented with the signature plaque featuring a bronze caricature of the late Perkins by Mr. Crawford in a recent ceremony held in Pasadena, CA in front of an audience made up of Rain Bird employees and their families.
Source: Rain Bird Corporation
