2008 Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership Smart Growth Vermont is pleased to accept nominations for the Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership

Smart Growth Vermont is pleased to accept nominations for the Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership, honoring an individual whose leadership has brought about a positive and lasting change in the way their community or the state integrates growth and conservation.

A Life Dedicated to Protecting the Vermont Landscape Arthur Gibb dedicated much of his life to ensuring that Vermont is a better place for future generations of Vermonters. Beginning his public service as a “fence viewer” in the town of Weybridge, Arthur went on to serve his community and state in countless ways until his death in 2005 at the age of 97.

Arthur was first elected to the Vermont Legislature in 1962, where he chaired the House Natural Resources Committee. He was deeply involved in passing legislation to ban billboards, enact the state’s bottle deposit law, regulate junk yards and modernize statutes governing local and regional planning.

In 1969, Governor Deane Davis appointed Arthur to chair the Governor’s Commission on Environmental Control, commonly referred to as the “Gibb Commission.” The commission held many public hearings over the summer of 1969. The result of its work was Act 250, Vermont’s pioneering land use law.
In 1971, Arthur moved to the Vermont Senate, where he served successively as Chair of the Natural Resources and Finance Committees. He was held in esteem for creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and building consensus. When he took a position on an issue, there was never a doubt that he was
motivated by the best interests of Vermont. At the end of his lengthy service in the Legislature, his colleagues found the funds to commission his portrait. The painting – one of only four on the Statehouse walls that do not honor former governors or generals – is testimony to his imprint on Vermont history.

Arthur also served for twelve years on the Vermont Environmental Board, including a year as Chair at the age of 86. By serving on the Board, which was charged with the administration of Act 250 as well as hearing appeals of Act 250 cases, Arthur demonstrated his commitment to maintaining Vermont’s reputation for healthy communities and a clean environment.

An Award Recognizing Vermont’s Land Use Leaders

In honor of Arthur Gibb’s legacy of commitment to safeguarding Vermont’s values and unique landscape, Smart Growth Vermont will honor an individual whose leadership, vision and courage has brought about positive and lasting change in the way their community or our state integrates growth and conservation.

During his public service to Vermont, Arthur Gibb’s success and reputation were attributable to his strong character and personal convictions. The Arthur Gibb Award will be presented to a Vermont resident who, in service to their community and/or state, shares these characteristics, while working to implement smart growth principles.


Award Selection Criteria

Leadership and the ability to motivate others around shared goals related to community planning, and the preservation of Vermont’s landscape, unique sense of place, and economic well-being.

Commitment to Public Service, including a willingness to work for change without compensation or personal consideration.

Vision to recognize the challenges facing Vermont’s environment, landscape and communities now and in the future, and understand how those challenges can best be addressed through public policy and personal initiative.

Creativity in crafting innovative solutions, policies and programs that
maintain Vermont’s community life and unique sense of place.

The ability to Balance competing interests in order to forge
consensus and build bridges between those holding opposing views.

Integrity and steadfastness in public service that earns the respect of
colleagues, neighbors and diverse interest groups.

Humility, expressed through respect for others, including those holding opposing viewpoints, and a willingness to work cooperatively and share recognition for accomplishments.

Nomination Process
Please complete the information below and forward it, along with requested materials, to Smart Growth Vermont. To be considered, all entries much be postmarked by July 15, 2008. All nominations will receive careful consideration by the award selection committee.

Submission Requirements
Nominee Information
Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail:

Narrative
Submit a detailed description of the individual nominated and how they have brought about a positive and lasting change in the way their community or the state integrates growth and conservation. Please be specific about how the individual has demonstrated each of the characteristics outlined on the previous page. Please limit the narrative to two pages.

Attachments
Two copies of project narrative and relevant attachments, and a CD with images, if any (.jpg format).  Please also provide contact information for three people who are familiar with the nominee’s accomplishments.

Submission packages must be postmarked or emailed by July 15, 2008 to be eligible.

Mail To:
Smart Growth Vermont
110 Main Street
Burlington, Vermont 05401
www.smartgrowthvermont.org

Questions
Jason Van Driesche
Program Director
802.864.6310