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AWO CREW ALERTNESS PROGRAM ELECTED TO 2001 ASSOCIATIONS ADVANCE AMERICA HONOR ROLL

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, has been elected to the 2001 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Washington, DC.

AWO received the award for its "Stay Alert for Safety!" Program, a personal safety and environmental protection program aimed at ensuring that vessel crewmembers are alert and fit for duty. Launched in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the program is a proactive approach to mitigating the dangers of fatigue in the 24-hour-a-day marine transportation industry by educating companies and crewmembers on the importance of crew alertness. The partnership produced a brochure providing practical tips for vessel crewmembers; more than 31,000 brochures have been distributed. The program also includes a lesson plan to help vessel captains and shoreside trainers use the brochure in safety meetings and training sessions. The Coast Guard and AWO meet regularly to review the progress of the program and identify next steps.

AWO President Thomas A. Allegretti remarked, "The 'Stay Alert for Safety!' Program provides a mechanism to cope with an important factor in human performance that all transportation modes must address. AWO is proud of its partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and its members' commitment to safety and environmental protection, as demonstrated in this program."

Now in its eleventh year, the prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward -- with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service.

"Your program is a perfect example of how associations play a vital role in helping the nation adapt to complex and changing times. Contributions such as yours are vital and add real value to society," said ASAE President Michael S. Olson.