Mayor Roseann Minnet of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, and Chair of the Broward League of Cities’ Sustainability Committee talks to Inside South Florida about the importance of Earth Day.

This year’s recipients are Coral Springs city resident Feyaad Allie of Coral Springs High School, Parkland resident Joshua Feinzig of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Weston resident Chad Klitzman of Cypress Bay High School, and Cooper City resident Spencer Shweky of Cooper City High.

“A priority of the Broward League of Cities is to promote education in our community,” said Broward League of Cities President and Cooper City Mayor Debby Eisinger. “We offer the Scholarship for Government Studies to support exemplary students in their future endeavors in the fields of government and public service.”

The $1,000 scholarships provide financial support every year to four Broward County seniors enrolled in a public or charter school and attending a college or university to pursue a major in public administration, political science or other government-related field.

Scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous personal contributions of Broward County’s elected officials and Broward League of Cities Associate Members.

“We thank all of the elected officials and Associate Members who generously contributed to the scholarship fund through raffle purchases and donations,” said Shelley Eichner, chair of the League’s scholarship committee. “Because of their support, the League is able to help students achieve their dreams of pursuing careers in government.”

In addition to the Scholarship for Government Studies, the Broward League of Cities also offers a Student Ambassador program to high school juniors interested in government and public service. Four students are selected for a two-year term during which they attend the organization’s general membership events, board of directors meetings, and other related functions.

“Through the Scholarship for Government Studies and Student Ambassador programs, the League aims to foster a love for government in our students, as we recognize that young people are the future leaders of our country,” said Mayor Eisinger.

Siemens, an associate member of the Broward League of Cities, is a market and technology leader in energy, healthcare and municipal infrastructure worldwide. In Florida, Siemens employs more than 5,300 staff members at 49 locations.

Siemens is a proud supporter of the League’s programs, committees and events. Hector Samario, of Siemens’ infrastructure and cities sector, has been involved with the League for more than five years. He has served on the League’s Blue & Green Committee and currently is serving his second year as vice chair the League’s Sustainability Committee.

“Broward cities are looking for ways to improve their infrastructures by becoming more environmentally friendly and cutting costs at the same time,” Samario said.  “It is a real pleasure to support great Broward leaders who are committed to sustainable development, the environment and quality of life in their communities.”

In addition to the Broward League of Cities, Siemens is involved with other local organizations including the South Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Broward County’s Climate Change Task Force and the Sustainable Stewards of Broward.

Siemens provides technologies and sustainable solutions to support city decision makers in designing and building resource-efficient infrastructure that is able to cope with future challenges. With the world’s most comprehensive environmental portfolio, Siemens’ longstanding expertise has given rise to innovative technology for sustainable solutions in energy efficient buildings, water treatment facilities, transportation infrastructure, public safety systems, and healthcare imaging and diagnostics.

For more information, visit siemens.com.

Kaufman Lynn Construction

“We recognize the importance of the Broward League of Cities and value our relationship, which allows us to pursue common interests,” said Kaufman Lynn Construction Vice President of Business Development Lisa King. “The Broward League of Cities is a wonderful forum to interact with city officials and gain a better understanding of the challenges unique to public agencies.”

King has been active on the League’s Scholarship Committee for the past three years. With Kaufman Lynn Construction’s heavy focus on the municipal and educational markets, the committee is a perfect fit, she said.

“It’s a great experience to work with peers who serve the public sector to help local high school students pursue their dreams to become future local leaders,” said King.

Philanthropy and community involvement are an important part of Kaufman Lynn Construction’s culture and the company actively supports many not-for-profit organizations throughout the South Florida community with both time and financial resources.

“All of our employees are strongly encouraged to become engaged in civic involvement,” said King. “Whether it’s coaching a youth sports team, dedicating time to a religious organization or serving on the board of a non-profit agency, community involvement is a fundamental part of the Kaufman Lynn family tradition.”

In addition to recent awards for quality, safety, impressive growth and outstanding business practices, Kaufman Lynn Construction has also been recognized for its accomplishments and its service and support of local communities by several organizations, including the South Florida Business Journal, Associated Builders and Contractors, American Institute of Architects and Florence Fuller Child Development Center.

For more information on Kaufman Lynn Construction, visit www.kaufmanlynn.com.

Mayor Debby Eisinger of Cooper City, President of Broward League, talks to Comcast Newsmakers about
the Broward League of Cities Student Ambassador program.

Calvin, Giordano & Associates Inc.

CGA is a proud supporter of the League’s programs and events. CGA Principle and Senior Vice President Shelley Eichner has chaired the League’s scholarship committee for the past two years. She also serves on the League’s education committee, the growth management committee and SRO task force.

“As the chair of the League’s scholarship committee, I feel it is important to give opportunities to the youth in our community who will become tomorrow’s leaders,” Eichner said. “CGA recognizes the importance of the League and the difference its programs make in the quality of life for Broward County residents.”

Committed to the meetings the needs of the community, CGA supports several local nonprofit organizations in addition to the League, including 211 Broward, Gilda’s Club of South Florida, USGBC, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics, Broward House, Scott Communities, and the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County.

In addition, CGA employees serve on the boards of directors for organizations such as the Florida Engineering Society, the Florida Survey & Mapping Society, the South Florida chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEEDs American Planning Association, the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and the Miramar-Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce.

“CGA’s longevity and strength in business lies not only in our employees and in the quality of services that we provide, but also in our knowledge of and involvement in the community,” said Eichner. “As a local firm, our employees live in many of the neighborhoods we serve, and as a result, CGA understands the importance of giving back.”

Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. provides a broad range of services, including building code services, code enforcement, construction engineering and inspection, construction services, contract government, data technologies and development, emergency management services, engineering, indoor air quality, landscape architecture and environmental services, municipal engineering, planning, public administration, redevelopment and urban design, surveying and mapping, transportation planning and traffic engineering, and utility and community maintenance services.

The new Broward League of Cities student ambassadors are Miramar resident Jocelyn Flores of Miramar High,  Weston resident Zach Gorwitz of  Cypress Bay High School, Cooper City resident Brian Mazur of McFatter Technical High School, and Lauderdale Lakes resident Carlos Mondesir of Dillard High School.

They join current student ambassadors Feyaad Allie, a senior at Coral Springs High School; Chad Klitzman, a senior at Cypress Bay High School; Alex Weiner, a senior at Stoneman Douglas, College Academy; and Kimberly Willoughby, a senior at Pembroke Pines Charter High School.

“We are honored to have this exceptional group of students partake in our Student Ambassador program,” said Broward League of Cities President and Cooper City Mayor Debby Eisinger. “They are passionate about local government, and we’re passionate about supporting their educational endeavors.”

During their two-year term, ambassadors attend Broward League of Cities general membership meetings, board of directors meetings and other functions pertaining to the operation of the League. Under the tutelage of the Broward League’s Education Committee, students have the opportunity to meet with elected officials and learn the intricacies of governing at the municipal level.

Student ambassadors’ monthly “My View” columns, posted to the Broward League of Cities website, will detail their experiences in the program and views on current events. To read the student ambassadors’ My View columns and to learn more about the Student Ambassador program, please visit the Student Ambassador Program page.

Broward elected officials attending an all-day Ethics Summit facilitated by
the Institute of Government & Florida League of Cities on Friday, January 27, 2012.