Ripple Effect Awards Expand to Highlight Tennessee River Watershed Champions in Seven States

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Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTNRB) is currently seeking applications for the 2nd annual Tennessee River Ripple Effect Awards presented by Yamaha Rightwaters™. This year, the awards will expand to recognize winners of nine categories in three regions that touch Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina.

“Last year’s awards really showcased just how much residents along the Tennessee River love where they live and just how many different ways there are to contribute to our river community,’” said Kathleen Gibi, Executive Director for KTNRB. “There are still many individuals, groups, and projects that deserve praise, and we’re thankful to Yamaha Rightwaters™ for continuing this important recognition.”

The goal of the awards is to inspire new river champions in sharing success stories, thus the concept behind the ‘Ripple Effect’ title. Each award category will be presented to a recipient within the following regions:

Each award category will be presented in the following Tennessee River watershed regions:

  • West : West of I-65

  • Middle: East of I-65 and west of I-75

  • East: East of I-75

The 2020 Ripple Effect Award categories include:

  • Conservation

  • Adopt a River Mile

  • Marina

  • Standout Youth

  • Business

  • Government Department / Law Enforcement

  • Keep America Beautiful Affiliate

  • Elected Official

  • Beacon (ongoing leadership)

Each winner will receive a glass trophy that resembles a rippling river. The awards are sponsored by Yamaha Rightwaters™, a sustainability initiative of the international watercraft company, Yamaha.

"Yamaha Rightwaters is fighting to protect our most precious and essential natural resource – water,” said Martin Peters Yamaha Marine Division Manager, Government Relations. “It embodies all of Yamaha's conservation initiatives, and becomes a platform for many plans the company has in store to improve our water resources.

“We are proud to partner with Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful in their efforts to preserve and protect this amazing resource so that future generations can continue to enjoy the Tennessee River for decades to come."

The Ripple Effect Awards coincide with ‘Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month,’ which is celebrated in October along with multi-state river cleanups and proclamations by governors and mayors within the river’s watershed.

Due to the need for social distancing around COVID-19, this year’s Ripple Effect Awards will be presented to the 27 recipients virtually.

ALL NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020.

Nomination forms may be submitted at www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org/awards.