The Clean Air Campaign Raises the Bar on Teleworking in Metro Atlanta.

Business Editors/Environment Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2003

Telework Leadership Initiative Awards Employers with up to $20,000

to Establish Telework Programs

The Clean Air Campaign(R), a metro Atlanta-based nonprofit working to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, announces the call for applications for the Telework Leadership Initiative (TLI), a groundbreaking incentive program that provides employers with up to $20,000 worth of resources to start or expand a telework program. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue made the announcement on behalf of The Clean Air Campaign at its fourth annual PACE Awards in Atlanta.

"We're putting up to $20,000 on the table for eight employers who want to start or improve teleworking programs," said Ellen Macht, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. "These employers will help us showcase how teleworking done right is good for business and equally as good for the air that we breathe."

In 2003, eight employers will be selected from both the public and private sectors. Employers are required to have 10 or more teleworkers and have those employees telework for at least six months. Upon completion of the program, The Clean Air Campaign will develop a case study on the impacts of teleworking on the employer, employees and on trip reduction and air quality.

"The Clean Air Campaign's commitment to raising the bar on teleworking doesn't stop with the financial incentive," Ellen Macht, continued. "We are also stepping up our own expertise with staff training by national experts; an expanded Web site resource section that provides program guidelines and case studies; and more complimentary training for interested employers."

To develop TLI, The Clean Air Campaign secured the help of national telework experts Elham Shirazi of e-planning, and Peter Valk of Transportation Management Services. Their review included an extensive analysis of existing telework programs and resources in metro Atlanta, a survey of national programs, and an assessment of existing infrastructure. This analysis showed regional strengths in the areas of technology infrastructure, political support and limited but growing numbers of teleworkers. However, the analysis identified a need for a more in-depth, single source resource to spearhead more employer participation.

"This program is truly unique compared to other programs nationally," stated Shirazi, principal, e-planning. "Not only does it provide substantial financial commitment for one-on-one consulting services, it is the first program we have found that provides reimbursement to employers for their staff time."

TLI joins two other financial incentives offered by The Clean Air Campaign: Cash for Commuters, a consumer incentive that provides commuters with three dollars per day - up to $180 in three months - for using commute alternatives; and a vanpool incentive program that pays partial costs for vanpool operations when employers commit to cover 20% of the cost for the first year. A survey of Cash for Commuters participants recently demonstrated its success: six months after receiving the incentive, 71 percent are still using alternatives to driving alone.

Applications for the Telework Leadership Initiative are available at www.cleanaircampaign.com or by calling 1-877-CLEANAIR. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2003 or until all eight openings are filled.

About The Clean Air Campaign

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization offering employers free assistance in the design and implementation of commute options and other smog-reducing programs as part of its role as the region's clearinghouse for solutions to air pollution and traffic congestion. It also provides children's education, issues Smog Alert notifications and provides financial incentives to promote alternative commuting behavior. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR or visit www.cleanaircampaign.com.