KCCB wins state award
TOP HONOR – Keep Copiah County Beautiful was one of the big winners in the state at an award ceremony held at the state capitol last Wednesday. The organization was chosen as one of two Top Non-profit Community Groups, along with the Natchez Green Alliance. Pictured on the front row from left are: Sarah Kourtouris, Director of Keep Mississippi Beautiful; Linda Phillips KCCB board member and Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Crystal Springs; Nora Berch, KCCB County Coordinator; Kristina
“Keep Copiah County Beautiful has been a strong supporter of recycling in Copiah County, and the results of that support are evident in the success of local community recycling programs,” said Mark Williams, Administrator of Solid Waste and Recycling Programs in the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
KCCB has helped both Wesson and Crystal Springs implement recycling programs with the assistance of Waste Management. The organization encourages recycling efforts throughout the county and also holds the annual Copiah County Clean Up day in the spring.
The organization has applied for a $5,000 grant that will provide landscaping at the old Wesson School, and a $10,000 beautification and improvement grant for Lake Hazle in Hazlehurst. Both grants are awarded by Waste Management.
“We are working hard each year to bring these grant funds to Copiah County. The results of our efforts have been very recognizable in our communities,” said Nora Berch, County Coordinator for KCCB.
Berch recently attended the annual Keep America Beautiful conference in Washington, D. C., where people across the nation gather to learn and share ideas on litter cleanup, recycling and beautification. While there, KCCB received the President’s Circle award, which recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit to reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify and improve their local communities.
