University of Georgia Parking Services Named 2011 Parking Organization of the Year by International Parking Institute
Award recognizes University of Georgia's exemplary customer service and sustainability programs
Media Contact:
Helen Sullivan
703.847.9702 office
703.606.7622 mobile
sullivan@parking.org
(FREDERICKSBURG, VA - May 23, 2011) In recognition that the
University of Georgia Parking Services, Athens, Ga. has exceeded
expectations and meets extremely high standards for customer
service, the International Parking Institute (IPI) awarded the
department the 2011 Parking Organization of the Year Award at the
2011 International Parking Institute Conference & Expo in
Pittsburgh, Pa., May 22-25.
In announcing the award, IPI's Executive Director, Shawn Conrad,
CAE, said, "The University of Georgia Parking Services' tagline,
'beyond expectation,' highlights the importance of customer service
to the department's mission and exemplifies all that is best in the
parking profession."
The University of Georgia Parking Services department has initiated
a number of projects to improve customer service. These included
infusing technology throughout its programs; instituting programs
to boost safety, security and physical appearance at its parking
facilities; developing more customer-driven solutions to parking
challenges; maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability;
and enhancing staff training and morale.
The department has made robust sustainability a key part of its
customer service initiatives. The department rewards drivers of
high-efficiency vehicles by offering carpool ride matching,
positions recycling bins in parking decks, and provides incentives
to use alternative transportation. Safety is another focus, with
Operation Safe Drive, a free vehicle maintenance inspection program
before holidays to help students drive home safely, and new safety
features in parking decks, including white ceilings and additional
lighting.
As a large, rural parking organization, the University of Georgia
Parking Services currently serves 10,053 faculty and staff as well
as 34,885 students. The department employs 87 parking professionals
and has an annual budget of $11,255,400. With 10 parking garages
and 150 surface lots, the department oversees 20,089 spaces.
Previously, the University of Georgia Parking Services department
was honored with the 2008 Georgia Governor's Award: Customer
Service for Team Excellence, and the 2008 Chancellor's Customer
Service Excellence Award.
"We salute the University of Georgia Parking Services for
excellence in customer service. In the end, the needs of our
customers come first, and this award demonstrates the kinds of
initiatives that enhance the customer parking experience," said
Conrad.
About the organization:
International Parking Institute is the largest and leading trade
association representing parking professionals and the parking
industry worldwide. The organization publishes The Parking
Professional monthly magazine, dubbed the "bible of the parking
industry" and each year hosts the IPI Conference & Expo, the
largest gathering of parking professionals and exhibitors in the
world. www.parking.org
