In an effort to recognize innovative community programs that can serve as national models for sustainable development, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) today began seeking applicants for the third annual "Siemens Sustainable Community Awards" competition.

"As the economy begins to rebound, more communities than ever are thinking creativel y about not just surviving, but thriving economically, socially and environmentally," said Stephen Jordan, senior vice president and executive director of the BCLC. "The Siemens Sustainable Communit y Awards highlight proven models and shine a spotlight on public-private partnerships that are leading the way."

To be eligible for the Siemens Sustainable Community Awards, communities must meet a variety of sustainable community criteria. These requirements include partnership and stakeholder involvement, as well as demonstrable improvements to the local environment, business community and quality of life.

The award will recognize three communities in the small, midsize, and large categories. Nominations will be accepted until January 29, 2010. Local governments, community-based coalitions, chambers of commerce, community developers and other local agencies are encouraged to submit their work.

"Siemens is proud to sponsor the Sustainable Community Awards for the third consecutive year," said Jim Whaley, vice president of the Siemens Corporation. "It's often at the local level that we see the best ideas and practices to improve our social, economic and environmental welfare and make it more sustainable."

A select committee of external experts reviews submissions and determines the finalists from each category. The judging panel consists of leading professionals with backgrounds in environment, business, academics, government and economic development. The three winning communities will be announced in May 2010 at BCLC’s National Conference on Corporate Communit y Investment in Houston, Texas.

To submit a nomination and learn more about the Siemens Sustainable Community Awards and BCLC's National Conference on Corporate Community Investment, visit BCLC's website.

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 428,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $116.6 billion in fiscal 2008. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $22.4 billion and employs approximately 69,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com

BCLC is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a resource and voice for businesses and their social and philanthropic interests.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. community development. Emerging-market development. Disaster response. Social and environmental innovation – businesses play an important role in all of these issue areas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is recognized in the corporate citizenship field as a source for fresh thinking, exceptional networking and practical lessons learned.

The Foundation works to strengthen collaboration and understanding among companies, corporate foundations, chambers of commerce, NGOs, and governmental offices. As a partnership facilitator, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center helps businesses find highly effective ways to invest in local communities, be responsive in times of disasters, and improve lives and livelihoods across the globe.

The Foundations mission is to work with businesses to make the world a better place. Email ccc@uschamber.com to learn more.

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