IN Fox Chapel Area Winter 2016 | Page 36

LOOP IN THE C O N T I N U E D meeting high national standards of excellence that improve the lives of everyone in the Pittsburgh region.” Accreditation is awarded to land trusts that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation. Each accredited land trust must apply for renewal every five years, and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can help landowners and communities achieve their goals. “It is exciting to recognize Allegheny Land Trust with this distinction,” says Tammara Van Ryn, Executive Director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership and lasting stewardship of conserva tion land.” 34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area The Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization. The Commission recognizes conservation excellence by awarding the accreditation seal. More information about land trust accreditation can be found at landtrustaccreditation.org. Fox Chapel Plaza Ribbon Cutting with Jon Burnett SCORE’S SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Pittsburgh SCORE recently sponsored Small Business Saturday promotional events at both Fox Chapel Plaza and Hartwood Towne Corner Shops in support of the several small businesses located in these areas. To kick-start the festivities, a RibbonCutting Ceremony was conducted at each location, welcoming shoppers and providing a history about the importance of small business in the American economy. Jon Burnett, award-winning weathercaster of KDKA-TV news, was the featured speaker and designated “Celebrity Shopper.” Specials were offered by each of the participating businesses, in addition to prize drawings and a Scavenger Hunt. For more information on the Pittsburgh SCORE chapter, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, please visit pittsburgh.score.org or call 412.395.6560 x130. SCORE is a business counseling/ mentoring organization that provides free counseling. ■