HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, on behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, today recognized Thomas Tulip, the executive director of the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments as part of the 15^th annual Governor's Awards for Local Government Excellence.

In total, eight local government leaders and 10 communities across the state received awards that were presented today at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

"As local government officials, you hear firsthand the issues of your neighbors - your constituents - and it is your responsibility to provide solutions that will make your community a vibrant, thriving place," Lt. Governor Cawley said at the awards ceremony today. "This celebration is a testament to your hard work and an acknowledgement that your concern for your community and your dedication has not been overlooked."

For the past 27 years, Mr. Tulip has advocated municipal cooperation, first as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Economy League's regional office and currently as the executive director of the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments. Tulip has been a strong force in encouraging municipalities in his county to cooperate and collaborate in areas of common interest. He has worked with local government to identify intergovernmental-cooperation opportunities and has assisted in the start up of two new councils of governments.  

Tulip is a member of the Penn State Advisory Board at the Shenango Valley Campus, a board member of the Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone and is a Chairman of the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Commission.

The Governor's Awards for Local Government Excellence are presented annually to communities and individuals by the Governor's Center for Local Government Services, an office within the Department of Community and Economic Development that works to assist Pennsylvania's 2,562 local governments.

A panel of judges from the Governor's Center for Local Government Services reviewed applications submitted by municipal organizations from throughout the state and selected the award recipients.

The community awards cover ten categories, including: building community partnerships; promoting community and economic revitalization; innovative community and governmental initiatives; fiscal accountability; innovative planning and sound land-use practices; intergovernmental cooperation; responding to adversity; innovative energy conservation; and innovative environmental partnerships.  The individual awards are presented to local government officials who have worked to improve their communities.

For more information on the Governor's Center for Local Government Services visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

For a full list of Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence winners and a further description, visit www.newpa.com/lgawards.

Media contact:  Jamie Yates, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development