King County Executive Ron Sims today honored Turner Construction Company (external link), Ken Konigsmark, and Annette Gomez
as King County's Earth Heroes for the month of July.
In a special ceremony held in his office, Sims honored the invaluable contributions these heroes have made in
protecting King County's environment.
Launched in May of this year, the King County Earth Legacy Initiative
celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. The Initiative outlines a number
of innovative programs that are working hard to maintain the rich integrity of our region, as well as our high quality of life.
It actively engages the involvement of businesses, local government, organizations, youth, employees, and the broader community to make a difference.
"Turner Construction Company, Ken Konigsmark, and Annette Gomez model the kind of environmental stewardship that is necessary to maintain the high quality of life in this region," said Sims. "These are shining examples of the kind of impact businesses and individuals can make in preserving our natural environment."
Earlier this year, Turner Construction Company took on the task of demolishing the Kingdome. Over 100,000 tons of concrete was generated from the demolition. Nearly 90 percent of it has been recycled and diverted from landfills. Turner, along with its subcontractors, has worked tirelessly and consistently to recycle the concrete, asphalt, wood, and metal from the demolition. They have been aggressive and set a high goal for the project of reusing about 35 percent of the material on site, there by saving on transportation cost.
Along with this commitment to reusing and recycling materials from the Kingdome, Turner Construction Company is a member of Construction Works, a program
of King County's Solid Waste Division that recognizes innovative construction companies
for their jobsite recycling programs. Turner staff has also collaborated with King County on jobsite recycling education
and outreach efforts to their industry peers.
Preston resident Ken Konigsmark, a long time open space and land preservation activist in King County, is heralded for
his efforts to help preserve land along the Mountains to Sound Greenway (external link).
He has been a leader in helping to negotiate the open space and environmental requirements on the East Village at Cougar Mountain in Issaquah.
Additionally, he is a tireless advocate for the Preston Vision, a strategy that has permanently preserved hundreds of acres including the 313 acre McCormick Forest.
Currently, Konigsmark is a loaned executive from the Boeing Company (external link)
to the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Without the corporate commitment and responsibility of the Boeing Company, Konigsmark would not have been able to serve this region as he has. For the 10th Anniversary of the Mountains to Sound Greenway, Konigsmark organized a highly successful 120-mile march, serving as scout and mother hen to 75 hikers who made the trip this past Saturday. Konigsmark serves on the King County Rural Forest Commission, is past president and active member
of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, and volunteers on Tiger Mountain.
Auburn resident Annette Gomez is known for her commitment to environmental protection and for her boundless energy towards expanding environmental awareness. She received training from King County Solid Waste Division's Master Recycler/Composter Program.
As part of this training, volunteers are asked to give 40 hours of educational service to the community. She imparted her knowledge on recycling and waste reduction in record time-faster than any student in the history of the program.
Gomez's commitment to recycling has also been modeled in the workplace. Employed at the Bon Marche's distribution center in Tukwila, Gomez has been a driving force behind shaping the center's recycling program. She has developed a manual about recycling at the workplace that will be distributed to other sister distribution facilities nationwide.
"The rich legacy of this region depends on the commitment and innovation of people like Ken Konigsmark and Annette Gomez and businesses like Turner Construction Company," said Sims. "It is an honor to recognize them for their many contributions."
Earth Hero nominations are submitted by King County employees. Individuals and businesses in King County that are working to make a positive impact on our environment are selected monthly for their outstanding contributions to enhancing and maintaining the natural beauty of this region.
For more information on the Earth Legacy Initiative, to volunteer or to become involved, contact Joy Shigaki, at (206) 296-4624.
