Tucson, AZ - The City of Tucson's Environmental Services' Recycling Program has received the Governor of Arizona's 2003 Pride in Arizona Award for Distinguished Community Achievement.

The award presented by Governor Janet Napolitano to department officials was made at a recent state conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The award is the only statewide environmental award program that recognizes Arizona communities, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the environmental quality of Arizona.

The award commended the City of Tucson for its efforts in preserving the Arizona's environmental heritage citing the development of the innovative, sustainable program to improve the states quality of life.

The City's Blue Barrel recycling program has exceeded initial expectations doubling the amount of recycled materials and generating $1.6 million in revenue in contract payments for recycling materials.

Michael Bolchalk Marketing assisted the City in the community education plan and has won a half dozen creative awards for its Recycle Tucson advertising campaign.