Ensuring the Future Through Innovation, Science and Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Dennis J. Munko (814) 269-2544  
 

Pittsburgh, PA, March 21, 2002 - Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., Chairman of CTC Foundation today presented Regional Development Grant Awards from the Foundation totaling $40,000 to 10 southwestern Pennsylvania organizations and a northeastern group.  The award presentations took place at a special ceremony held at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted by NETL's Director, Rita A. Bajura.

The organizations selected by the CTC Foundation to receive grant awards are:  South Park Township Library, Bethel Park Public Library, Pleasant Hills Public Library and Jefferson Hills Public Library, awarded funds for science, math and technology-related books and materials, with some emphasis on materials promoting public awareness of energy and environmental issues; the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Western Pennsylvania, Inc., awarded funds for the purchase of computers and for other tools that will further help these two organizations to assist minority-and women-owned businesses involved in the energy commodity marketplace; the Regional Trail Corporation and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Northeast Field Office, each awarded funds to conduct a multistate study of rail-trail surfaces and maintenance plans, as well as to identify coal combustion by-product sources near trail networks; the Somerset County Conservancy, awarded funds to create a site development plan for the Kimberly Run Natural Area, a 266-acre parcel of forest, wetlands and fields that is dedicated to wildlife habitat, environmental education and open space preservation; the Mon Valley Education Consortium, awarded funds for a detailed survey of the state of technology in each of the 113 school buildings within the Consortium's 25 school districts to prepare a plan for improving technology; and the Blacklick Creek Watershed Association, Inc., awarded funds for a restoration project that is underway to remediate acid mine drainage pollution in the Yellow Creek Watershed.

Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) established the CTC Foundation in 1998 to promote the application of innovative, scientific, technological and humanistic principles to enhance economic progress and the quality of life.  In presenting the awards, Mr. Sheehan, who also serves as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of CTC, noted "These innovative projects funded today embrace many of the CTC Foundation's primary areas of focus, including education and training, advanced information technology, energy and the environment, and regional development.  The success of the Foundation's efforts to address the immediate and long-term needs of people can only be realized through our work with grassroots organizations such as those recognized through these grants.  We're extremely proud that NETL is serving as our host today.  NETL's dedication and commitment to advanced energy technologies, education, environmental stewardship and community service stands as a model for governmental involvement and success."

Also present at the awards ceremony was Daniel R. DeVos, President and CEO of CTC.  Mr. DeVos noted, "We at CTC feel that is our responsibility to assume an active, positive role in the communities that we serve.  The CTC Foundation provides us with a valuable vehicle through which to promote regional development and an enhanced quality of life."  In addition to these current grant awards, the Foundation has supported numerous other education and technology-based initiatives, including its multiyear contributions to the West Virginia Regional Science Bowl.  Ms. Bajura noted, "These awards that were announced today by the CTC Foundation provide much-needed funding assistance to quality organizations that are engaged in programs and projects that will make a difference for residents of this region of West Virginia.  NETL is pleased to have hosted this recognition ceremony and we look forward to continuing our role as an energy and environmental resource to the many organizations in this area that have interests common to ours."

U.S. Representative John P. Murtha (PA-12) congratulated the CTC Foundation for its work and noted, "The Foundation continues to do a tremendous job identifying effective organizations engaged in meaningful initiatives that provide solutions addressing important needs throughout southwestern Pennsylvania." CTC, the parent organization of the CTC Foundation, is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization providing management and technology-based solutions to a wide array of clients representing state and federal government as well as the private sector.  CTC operates from more than 20 locations throughout the United States with a staff or approximately 1,100 employees.