Online Application for NACo's 2012 National County Government Month Award Each April, NACo sponsors National County Government Month (NCGM). The purpose, to encourage counties across the nation during the month to conduct public awareness programs and events that educate citizens about the role and functions county government performs. This year's theme is "Healthy Counties - Healthy Families." Counties should try to link activities to this theme. However, public awareness events and programs need not be limited to this theme. At NACo, we know county government works, this award acknowledges your successful efforts conducted during National County Government Month. We look forward to your submission.   Applications are due to NACo by close of business Friday, May 25, 2012. Eligibility: To be eligible for the award, your county must be a member in good standing with NACo and the program must be conducted during the month of April. Judging: A team of public relations professionals from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) will judge the submissions and will select two winners in each of three categories. Six counties will be recognized - two rurals (population less than 100,000) two suburbans (population between 100,000 and 500,000) and two metropolitans (population above 500,000). Prize: The winning counties will be recognized during the NACo Annual Conference in July. Three counties will receive the top award – rural counties (population less than 100,000); suburban counties (population between 100,000 and 500,000) and metropolitan counties (population above 500,000). Second place awards will also be presented. Each county winning the top award will receive two, free registrations that could be used at any NACo conference. This prize is worth more than $1,000. Those counties chosen for second place awards will receive one, free conference registration. All counties that submit entries will receive certificates recognizing the programs they initiated. Winners: Winners will be notified by e-mail by June 8, 2012. County Name:   Department:   Address:   City:     State:   Zip: Point of Contact:   Title:   Phone:   Email:   Title of successful NCGM Event or Project in April 2012 Description of the NCGM Event or Project in April 2012 (500 words limit) Goal or Purpose of the NCGM Event or Project in April 2012 Measures of Success (500 word limit) Each submission will be judged on the following factors: citizen participation, involvement of elected officials in your county, utilization of existing resources, amount of positive media coverage generated by the event or program and how the event or program was promoted by the county. Required Information By checking this box, I confirm that the chief elected official of my county has approved       the submittal of this entry.