FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 18, 2009
Veridian Recognized as Durham Region’s Smart Commute
Employer of the Year
Ajax, ON – Veridian Connections Inc. was recognized as Durham Region's 'Smart Commute
Employer of the Year' at a ceremony held in Toronto last night. The Smart Commute awards
ceremony was hosted by Metrolinx and is held annually to recognize employers who are leaders in
helping employees to reduce the environmental impacts of commuting to work.
The Smart Commute initiative began as a partnership of municipal governments in the Greater
Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), and the partnership was expanded to include Metrolinx early
in 2008. Smart Commute's goal is to reduce traffic congestion and to take action on climate change
through transportation efficiency. It helps and encourages local employers to explore and promote
more environment friendly commuter options such as carpooling, teleworking, transit, cycling,
walking and flexible working hours.
Veridian's award was accepted by Kyle Brown, the company's Manager of Retailer Relations and
Smart Commute Coordinator. Brown credited Veridian's 190 employees for the award. “The staff at
Veridian has really embraced our smart commute initiatives," she said. "Simple measures such as
promotions to increase awareness, fun competitions and low cost incentives have led to significant
changes in employee commuting practices.”
Brown points out that Veridian's smart commute initiatives have been embraced and supported by
the company. “Veridian offers flexible work options such as telecommuting and compressed work
weeks to reduce the amount of travel required by staff, and has recently implemented a video
conferencing system to reduce the need for travel between the company's work locations,” she said.
“These are just a few examples of how employers can help support the development of sustainable
communities.”
Recipients of the Smart Commute awards were selected by an independent panel of community
members from various sectors across the GTHA. Evaluations were based on the employer's
commitment to the program, leadership in their communities, innovation and results.
Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 111,000 customers in the Cities of
Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax, Port Hope and Gravenhurst, and the communities of Uxbridge,
Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Cannington. Veridian Connections Inc. is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Veridian Corporation. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of
Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation.
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For more information, contact:
George Armstrong
Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Key Projects
Veridian Connections Inc.
905-427-9870, extension 2202