The Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP), formerly the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM), honored its top members, chapters and supporters during an awards ceremony at its recent National Conference in San Diego, Calif., according to an association press release.

The AHMP awards program recognizes outstanding contributions in education, training, research, development, operations and performance that advance the association's mission and the hazardous materials and environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) professions.

"The Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals applauds its members, chapters and supporters who are being honored for their outstanding contributions with an award," said AHMP President Harry S. Kemp, CHMM, during the presentation ceremony. "Each of the honorees has made a valuable contribution that has helped make AHMP more vibrant and stronger membership organization."

Among the awards presented were: Pete Cook Founders Award—Kenneth Manchen, CHMM. This award is AHMP's top individual honor.

Hazardous Materials Manager of the Year—Cheryl Polios, CHMM. This award recognizes a hazardous materials professional over the age of 35 who has made outstanding contributions in the EHS&S field.

Young CHMM of the Year Award—Leo Oberle, CHMM. The Young CHMM of the Year Award acknowledges an outstanding EHS&S professional under 35 years of age.

Chapter of the Year—New Jersey Chapter.

Chapter Web Site of the Year—Northeast Ohio Chapter (www.neochmm.org).

Chapter Newsletter Award—CHMM of Michigan.

Unsung Hero Award—Karen Goryl, CHMM. The Unsung Hero Award honors an individual for outstanding contributions not recognized by another AHMP award.

Sponsor Appreciation Award—Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT). In 2008 BIT, located in Bangalore, India, hosted a diverse delegation of CHMMs from the United States who were there to present the second Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management training course in the country and to participate in India's first National Seminar on Hazardous Materials Management. Culminating these two events was the formation of an institute to accredit the country's environmental professionals in hazardous materials management.

Honor Roll of Champions Award. AHMP local chapters that fulfill five criteria out of a list that includes items such as sponsoring an Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management course are recognized with an Honor Roll of Champions Award. The six chapters honored were: Eastern Washington Chapter of ACHMM, Gateway Society of Hazardous Materials Managers, Georgia Chapter of ACHMM, Michiana Chapter of ACHMM, New Jersey Chapter of ACHMM and Wisconsin CHMM Chapter (FET).

Fifty-three individuals were also presented with a Champions of Excellence Award. To be considered for this award, each individual must fulfill five criteria out of a list that includes items such as publishing an article in a newspaper or journal or introducing prospective members to AHMP.