The Lindbergh Foundation has selected Jack Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Co., to receive the 2010 Lindbergh Award. The foundation also will recognize FedEx Corp. as the recipient of its Corporate Award for Balance at the 32nd annual Lindbergh Award Celebration, to be held at Sun ‘n Fun on April 14.
The Lindbergh Award is presented annually to individuals whose work over many years has made significant contributions toward the Lindbergh’s concept of balancing technology and nature. “Jack Pelton has led the charge to see that the aviation industry focuses appropriate efforts in reducing its environmental impact,” said Larry Williams, the Lindbergh Foundation chairman, president and CEO. “Jack has been a vocal proponent for pursuing policies and practices that balance progress and technology with environmental sensitivity, a concept that resonates strongly with the Lindbergh Foundation’s values as well.”
Pelton expressed his appreciation to the Lindbergh Foundation for their recognition. “I’m deeply honored to be a part of this fine tradition of seeking balance in the approach to solving the challenges facing us today,” he said, adding, “I believe we can use technology to solve the issues confronting the environment while preserving our quality of life and productivity.”
In making its final selection, the Foundation’s Award Committee noted that Cessna’s business aircraft have employed technology to reduce emissions by more than 60%, and that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Pelton to chair the state’s Energy and Environmental Policy Advisory Group. In addition, Pelton has established the Cessna Environmental Strategy Council, which has five areas of focus: aircraft emissions, industrial emissions/waste/recycling, recycling consumables, energy conservation and engaging employee participation through communication.
FedEx will be the recipient of the 2010 Corporate Award for Balance, which is given to corporations or organizations whose concern for the environment and dedication to improving quality of life are demonstrated through their business practices.
With more than 1.3 billion gallons of fuel consumed in 2006, FedEx has encouraged research and development of more fuel-efficient vehicles as well as alternative fuel vehicles. “FedEx has taken great strides to become an environmentally responsible corporation,” observed Williams. Over the years FedEx has focused efforts on recycling, minimizing its packaging, using hybrid cars in its fleet vehicles, employing solar power at its West Coast hub, and seeking ways to conserve energy in their facilities, company-wide. “These endeavors make FedEx and admirable choice for the 2010 Lindbergh Foundation Corporate Award for Balance and a company that so many others can look up to as an example of corporate initiative, commitment and success,” Williams stated.
The 2010 Lindbergh Award Celebration at Sun ‘n Fun will include a reception, live auction, dinner, along with presentations by Pelton and Michael Ducker, COO of FedEx Express, John and Martha King, and other Lindbergh Foundation Board Members.
For more information: 763-576-1596 or LindberghFoundation.org.
