IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Governors Award ESRI, Microsoft Public-Private Partnership Honors

To honor companies that have partnered with a governor's office to implement a program or project that positively affects a state's citizens.

"MD iMap demonstrates the power of GIS for improving performance measurement, transparency and accountability in government." ESRI President Jack Dangermond (pictured).

The National Governors Association (NGA) today honored ESRI and Microsoft Corp. with its annual Public-Private Partnership Awards at the closing plenary session of the 2009 NGA Winter Meeting.

The NGA Public-Private Partnership Awards were established last year to recognize NGA Corporate Fellow companies for noteworthy partnerships with governors and states, and to honor companies that have partnered with a governor's office to implement a program or project that positively affects a state's citizens. The NGA Corporate Fellows Program, now in its 21st year, promotes the exchange of information between the private sector and governors on emerging trends and factors affecting both business and state government.

ESRI Nominated by Maryland Governor O'Malley

ESRI was nominated by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley for its role in BayStat, a multi-agency performance effort to measure progress on improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay. ESRI collaborated with the BayStat team and Towson University to create two interactive mapping tools -- GreenPrint and iMap -- that enable government users and the public to assess Maryland's landscape and identify the most important places to conserve and protect.

"In the State of Maryland, our relationship with ESRI is helping us revolutionize the way we use cutting edge technology and coordinated human effort to protect the safety and security of our families, restore the Chesapeake Bay and protect our natural environment, and make our state government more efficient, transparent, and fiscally responsible," said Gov. O'Malley. "It is an honor to present this award on behalf of NGA to my good friend Jack Dangermond and his colleagues at ESRI."

"MD iMap demonstrates the power of GIS for improving performance measurement, transparency and accountability in government," said ESRI President Jack Dangermond. "It embodies Governor O'Malley's vision of using technology to enhance government operations and service to citizens, which ultimately provides a better quality of life for all. It's an honor to be recognized for the work we have done with the governor and his staff."

Microsoft Nominated by Washington Gov. Gregoire

Microsoft was nominated by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire for its United States Partners in Learning initiative, which partners with governments and schools to integrate technology into teaching, learning and research. Washington was the first state invited to partner in the initiative and worked with Microsoft to help teachers leverage technology to improve student achievement and teaching ability. Microsoft has since partnered with five other states and has reached more than 3.3 million students and teachers in the U.S.

"At a time when 85 percent of jobs require the use of technology, Microsoft is strengthening the education our children receive by promoting the use of technology in the classroom through Partners in Learning," said Gregoire. "Never satisfied with the status quo, Microsoft continues to stretch beyond the norm of citizenship efforts and work side-by-side with government and education leaders to drive education reform and make something truly fantastic happen."

"Microsoft is honored to receive this recognition from NGA for our partnerships with governments, education authorities and schools to increase access to technology and improve its use in learning throughout the United States. We thank Gov. Gregoire for her support and collaboration to use the power of technology in education to change lives," said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president, Global Corporate Affairs at Microsoft. "Working together in public private partnerships to advance education is essential, particularly in today's economic climate where job creation and continued innovation are critical."