Greencastle again designated Green Community of the Year

The city is keeping the green in Greencastle.

However, unlike the old Chamber of Commerce slogan meaning, in effect, "buy local," the green in this case doesn't mean money but refers to buying into the long-term protection of our environment.

For the fourth consecutive year -- unprecedented among Hoosier communities -- the City of Greencastle has been named Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Green Community of the Year.

From 2008 through 2010, Greencastle was named Green Community of the Year among Indiana cities of 5,000-10,000 in population.

This year, with Greencastle's population now officially at 10,326 according to the latest census, the city has moved up to the 10,000-49,999 category. And still won IACT honors.

"Not only have we moved up in the competition but we're the only city to win the designation multiple times," Mayor Sue Murray told the City Council Tuesday night.

"I don't know where Brad (Public Works Director Phillips) is going to put another sign but he'll find a spot for it," she added.

Other Indiana Green Community winners designated for 2011 were Whiting and Fort Wayne.

The awards were presented at the annual IACT Awards Luncheon during the 2011 IACT Annual Conference and Exhibition in Indianapolis.

IACT launched its Green Communities Initiative in 2008 to identify potential cost savings to communities facing budget shortfalls, promote economically competitive quality of life concepts and ultimately serve as role models for citizens while better protecting our environment.

Greencastle officials had to fill out a survey with more than 50 questions in the areas of purchasing, operations, measuring success and sample projects.

Not only did the city meet the minimum score required to be named a Green Community, but ranked highest among all communities its size.

IACT noted that "the city's exemplary efforts in the area of green programs" earned Greencastle the 2011 IACT Green Community of the Year Award in the 10,000-49,999 population category.

IACT is one of the oldest state municipal organizations in the country with 464 Hoosier cites and towns and members. As the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, IACT advocates for municipalities and promotes good government through education, training and leadership.