Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission’s Save-a-Ton campaign has been recognized with an award from the National Association of Development Organizations. The commission received a 2012 Innovation Award, recognizing the campaign’s efforts in energy conservation education and the effort to reduce duplication by local governments. Save-a-Ton uses a web site and social media to present information about local energy conservation programs and to connect people with energy-related businesses.

Here is the press release from the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.

Roanoke, VA (September 25, 2012) –The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission has received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its Save-a-Ton campaign. The campaign was recognized for its regional approach to energy conservation education awareness program, and the effort to reduce duplication across local governments.

Save-a-Ton was started in 2011 by Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and a number of non-profits and other partners. The Regional Commission assumed management of the program in July, 2012. The program uses its web presence, including a website and social media, to share information about local energy efficiency/conservation programs, and to connect citizens with businesses that provide energy-related goods and services across the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. The association’s Innovation Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and partnering organizations for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation’s regions and local communities. Award winners will be showcased during NADO’s 2012 Annual Training Conference, to be held October 13-16 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“For more than 25 years, NADO’s Innovation Award has provided regional development organizations throughout the nation a unique opportunity to showcase their important work and their critical role in promoting economic development for rural and small metropolitan communities. The creativity and significant, long-term impact of regional programs and projects like Save-a-Ton are the key to advancing the economic growth and sustainability of our nation’s regions and communities,” said NADO President Russell Cowley, executive director of the Six County Association of Governments in Richfield, UT.

The Regional Commission is a leader in driving collaboration and strategy within our communities on issues that are critical to the economic growth, quality of life, and sustainability of this region.