Veridian Recognized as Durham Region's Smart Commute Employer of the Year

AJAX, ON, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - 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.

For further information: George Armstrong, Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Key Projects, Veridian Connections Inc., (905) 427-9870 extension 2202