Richard Chesley
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control
September 2003

SEPT. 26, 2003 - Richard Chesley, who developed and implemented the state's innovative "Recycle Guys" recycling promotional campaign, today received the September Blue Granite Recognition, state Sen. Phil Leventis announced in Columbia.

Chesley, section manager of the Office of Solid Waste Reduction at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, had the vision to develop and implement a coordinated promotional campaign to appeal to children and adults, which allowed state government to deliver a cohesive message on recycling.

"Richard Chesley created a program that has been recognized throughout the country for its creativity and effectiveness," Leventis said today at an award presentation at DHEC headquarters in Columbia. "Many have come from far and wide - - from state and local governments as well as private firms - - to study the program and to replicate its approach.

"His program, implemented by the DHEC staff, has helped all of us achieve a goal that reflects emerging South Carolina community values, conserving and recycling. He has truly made a difference in our state and throughout the country by helping us implement a concept that we all support and value - recycling and reuse of our precious resources."

OTHER WINNERS November 2005: David Fellows, Jutta Young September 2005: Sumter County DOT staff April 2004: Linda Nodine February 2004: SC Law Enforcement Officers December 2003: David Johnson September 2003: Richard Chesley August 2003: Paul Gowder July 2003: Walter Metz June 2003: SCDOT's Mabry May 2003: Rehabilitation Technology Program April 2003: SCETV

To date, eight other states and cities, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania and the City of Denver, have adopted the "Recycle Guys" campaign. At least three countries are considering whether to adopt it. The campaign has won national TELLY awards, and local ADDY and Mercury awards for excellence. More: http://www.scdhec.net/recycle

"Innovative and creative people who are career employees of our state government can and do make a difference in our lives," Leventis said. "Richard Chesley is an example of how that happens in small but very important ways. His insight into helping people understand how to do what it is they really want to do has aided tens of thousands of us "do better things" for our community."

The Blue Granite Recognition is a monthly program to highlight excellence achieved by South Carolina state employees. The Recognition, sponsored by the S.C. State Credit Union, is online at: www.bluegraniterecognition.org. It is deemed a "recognition" because winners are not picked as a result of competitions. They are being recognized for the fine work they do as public employees.

Prior recipients include employees at SCETV, S.C. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, S.C. Department of Transportation, the Governor's Ombudsman office and the Department of Health and Human Services.

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