Author Archives: Orange

As a creative communications firm in Salt Lake City, Penna Powers Brian Haynes is encouraging all of its employees to put their creative talent to use by practicing alternative means of transportation during the Clear the Air Challenge. PPBH supports its employees as they participate by providing them with resources and services that will make the Challenge easier and more rewarding.

During the Challenge, PPBH is reimbursing UTA passes for employees who use public transit at least 3 days per week. To promote active transportation, the company is initiating a bike-sharing program, providing indoor bike parking and offering amenities baskets for employees to “freshen-up” after biking or walking to work. PPBH is also providing its employees with a carpooling map, which shows each employee’s residence and the proximity of co-workers with whom they can carpool.

PPBH employees also have the option of teleworking during the Challenge. By using web-based Adobe Acrobat Connect on its computers, the firm now provides for online client meetings, which save client and agency time while helping clear the air.

As lunchtime often means increased travel for employees, PPBH is subsidizing a catered lunch once a week during the Challenge. The agency is also initiating a daily lunch delivery program, providing a list of nearby restaurants within walking distance and asking local restaurants to provide a discount to PPBH employees during the Challenge.

With all of these services and benefits, it’s almost easier for employees to participate than not to participate. PPBH is a committed supporter of the Clear the Air Challenge and motivates us all to modify our travel behaviors to keep the air clean in Utah. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, find out what your business is doing or can do to help improve air quality.

PPBH Agency Picnic

If you’re looking for a Clear the Air Challenge role model, look no further than Salt Lake City Councilman Soren Simonsen. The father of two is championing the cause by doing all he
can to not only eliminate his own vehicle trips, but also trying to recruit 1,000 participants to the Challenge.

By simply walking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling or teleworking as many days as possible, Simonsen has been able to average less than four personal automobile trips per week.

“When thinking about alternate transportation choices,” says Simonsen, “start with the lowest-impact option first. Walk, bike, take the bus, take TRAX or carpool before you consider driving.”

Simonsen is directly encouraging residents in his district to take the Challenge by including information in his weekly e-mail newsletters and in the June edition of his biannual mailer. His goal is to recruit 1,000 people to take the Challenge. Simonsen’s enthusiasm inspires us all to find unique ways to reduce emissions and recruit our friends, family members and coworkers to participate in the Clear the Air Challenge.