(Columbus — April 30, 2009) Community leaders who made extraordinary efforts in contributing to the welfare of central Ohioans were honored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) at the State of the Region Luncheon held today at the Hyatt Regency at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

MORPC presented the William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award to the Central Ohio Public Information Network (COPIN). COPIN's vision is to create and maintain a group of public information professionals that can work together and with area agencies to provide public information functions and media support in response to disasters and other public emergencies in support of first responders. The William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement award is annually presented to an individual or individuals who have achieved an effective effort or innovative collaborative in central Ohio.

Elaine Roberts, President and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority received the Regional Leadership Award. First introduced in 1997, the Regional Leadership Award recognizes individuals in a 12-county region (Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross and Union counties) who make extraordinary efforts to ensure the future viability of the region's communities. The Regional Leadership Award is derived from the Commission's continuing dedication to addressing issues that transcend community boundaries and to stimulating visionary thinking.

MORPC board member and Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown was recognized with the William H. Anderson Excellence in Public Service Award. The William H. Anderson Award recognizes a current or past board member who exemplifies outstanding leadership, a vision for the community and the region, and commitment to MORPC. William H. Anderson, a longtime MORPC board member, was the epitome of a civic volunteer who is remembered for his zeal with which he championed MORPC'S mission and goals.

MORPC unveiled central Ohio's second 12-county State of the Region Report at the luncheon. The report provides information on 40 sustainable indicators representing people, place and prosperity. The report is available on MORPC's website at www.morpc.org. Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes Magazine was the keynote speaker at the event. Over 800 public officials, community leaders and business executives attended the event.

MORPC is a voluntary association of 45 local governments, serving as a community resource in the region by providing comprehensive planning, programming and public policy in the areas of transportation, economic development, land use, energy conservation, environment, housing, and air quality.

Photos of awardees are available upon request.