Fort St. John, British Columbia (July 13, 2010)

Sally-From-NEAT has hung up the phone!

After more than 20 years as Executive Director with Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT), Sally Emory is stepping down. The award-winning recognized voice for waste reduction tips in Northeast British Columbia is moving into a new role. As volunteer adviser to NEAT, Sally is looking forward to continuing to promote Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse and will be available as a resource person for NEAT. She said, “As NEAT plans for the next two decades of continued innovation in energy conservation, I believe a new Executive Director will help lead the way.” Sally plans to spend more time travelling and getting back to those hobbies she had little time for in the past two decades.
From NEAT’s modest beginning in 1989, Sally Emory helped lead NEAT from a grassroots volunteer group to one of Western Canada’s leading not-for-profit energy conservation organizations. NEAT quickly progressed to operating the first permanent community recycling depot in Northern Canada. NEAT is a pioneer for waste reduction and conservation measures, emerging as a diverse and innovative organization that provides environmental education about waste, water, and air quality. Partnering with the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) since 1997, NEAT blazed the trail in British Columbia by securing a contract to develop and implement a first-ever community-based waste reduction education program for a local government. The PRRD’s vision helped build upon the concept of neighbours helping neighbours to take simple steps to protect the local environment.
Looking back at PRRD’s collaboration with NEAT, Shannon Anderson, Deputy CAO, GM Environmental Services (PRRD), states, “Sally has been the essential driver behind the PRRD’s waste reduction programs and the continued successes of our recycling programs to date. Reflecting on Sally’s leadership, Shannon continues, “Sally is well respected both regionally and provincially in being a waste reduction visionary and pioneer. She has become the waste reduction voice and face of the region. We will miss her enthusiasm, passion, and of course her infectious giggle. On behalf of myself and the PRRD, I would like to thank Sally for her years of dedication and wish her health and happiness in the coming years.”

NEAT’s innovative approach of linking recycling and waste reduction presentations and dynamic programs to the school curriculum has become a catalyst not only for the entire Peace Region, but province-wide. NEAT President Andy Larstone expresses gratitude to Sally, as an employee and an individual. “Anyone and everyone associated with NEAT or knowledgeable about our organization, recognizes Sally. She clearly represents NEAT’s mission to motivate people to adopt sustainable living practices in their daily lives. The Board will truly miss Sally; not only for her dedication and energy, but for her amazing ability to attract so many good people to our organization. Her enthusiasm for making a difference with our residents is infectious!”
Sally Emory says, “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities NEAT has given me. Twenty years ago, it was exciting to create a voice for the north. Being the Executive Director for such a reputable organization has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. From high heels to steel-toed boots to running shoes – I’ve needed all those to keep up with our diverse and exciting programs. It’s been highly rewarding and great fun.”
The public face and voice may be changing soon as NEAT’s search for a new Executive Director continues, but with ongoing support from NEAT’s members, its communities, businesses, school districts, government, and First Nations, NEAT will continue to lead the way with innovative, motivating and practical environmental conservation programs into the future.

About NEAT:
Formed in 1989, Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to motivating individuals, businesses and institutions to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. NEAT is the leading source for environmental education in Northern British Columbia.
For more information, contact: Kathleen O’Neill, Board member, NEAT
E: kponeill@shaw.ca C: (250) 261-4085