Over the past few months on Green Philly, we’ve been sharing details on the outstanding nominees for the first SustainPHL Awards on August 18th.

SustainPHL aims to recognize and celebrate the full spectrum of sustainability activists and acknowledge the impact these Philadelphians have on our broader community. Philly does not lack in engaged and committed advocates, but there are surely a few individuals that stand out for their commitment to our City.

2016 LOCAL ADVOCATE nominees:

• David Bower, Phila. Department of Parks & Recreation
• Joshua Nims, Schuylkill River Development Corporation
• Saleem Chapman, Sustainable Business Network

David Bower

When David Bower retires this fall, there will be some big shoes to fill. Bower’s work with the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation began in June of 1998 and continued today as the Volunteer Coordinator in his 18^th year of stewardship. Bower’s journey started by way of volunteering with local groups like the Friends of the Wissahickon, leading projects and gaining interest in making environmental work his full-time focus. Since that day Bower has led many students, Friends groups, neighborhood communities, and more in discovering and caring for the city’s green spaces.

In one of his more recent projects, he worked with (fellow SustainPHL nominee) Bradley Maule, the man behind the art installation “One Man’s Trash” a collection of trash found in one year at the Wissahickon Valley Park. Bower helped him get the support and permit he needed to complete the project, bringing awareness to the city’s trash and litter problems.

Joshua Nims

Photo: Facebook

If you’ve ever set foot in Philadelphia, there’s a good chance you’ve taken a walk, run or cycled on the Schuylkill River Trail. There’s also a good chance you’ve participated in one or many events held on the Schuylkill River Banks. If you have, you have Joshua Nims to thank. Nims joined the Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) in 2006 and has devoted his career to making the trail and its banks more accessible to all Philadelphians.

I can personally attest to proudly telling out-of-towners that the Schuylkill River activities are some of the best things about this city, and just about everyone I know would say the same. Nims facilitated ideas like movies in the park, yoga on the banks, reintroduced kayaking tours, Paine’s Skate Park and much more. His dedication to the SRT has impacted well-beyond the 300,000 plus individuals that access the trail weekly.

Saleem Chapman

While only less than a year into his role as the Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), Saleem Chapman has a considerable number of wins under his belt. As the brawn behind SBN’s sustainable business policy platforms, Saleem has quickly found his place navigating the political landscape and actively mobilizing both policy-makers and local businesses. His overall upbeat demeanor coupled with talent and a drive to create real change has made Saleem one of our strongest advocates in the sustainability community.

Earlier this year Saleem helped push SBN’s 5-tiered Good Economy Challenge platform forward, and worked with Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez to introduce two tax credit bills benefiting small and sustainable businesses in Philadelphia that could push our city towards becoming the “B Capital of the world”. That’s a tall order, but one I think is very much possible with Saleem on our side.

Join us on August 18^th for the SutainPHL Awards to celebrate these outstanding nominees and congratulate our winner of the Local Advocate Award. Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased here.

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Amy Kate is the Sales and Marketing Operations Manager at Community Energy, a national leader in renewable energy development. There she manages Community Energy’s community solar programs, working to expand access to clean, local, affordable energy across the country. Amy Kate serves on the Board of Directors for the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) and strives to serve her community through meaningful work. View all posts by Amy Kate Failing