Girl Scouts Honor ESRI

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council are pleased to name Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) as the 2008 Outstanding Organization as part of the Women of Distinction Awards Program. ESRI will be recognized, along with additional honorees, at the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council's Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverside Marriott, 3400 Market Street in Riverside. For more information, call the Girl Scouts at (800) 400-4475 or visit www.gssgc.org .

Since its inception in 1969, ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) of Redlands has supported local, national and global communities and non-profit organizations. Whether in its technological support of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Hurricane Katrina/Rita relief or regular local donation of trees and horticultural materials to local schools and parks, ESRI is dedicated to helping the world become a better place through GIS technology.

By reinvesting more than 20 percent of the company's profits into research and development and by providing support at a global level through their K-12 education programs, worldwide conservation, grant and sustainable development programs, ESRI courageously demonstrates the successful fusion of sustainable business practices and civic responsibility.

"ESRI is an example to all businesses," said Jessica Lawrence, the Girl Scouts chief executive officer. "They have made a significant impact to their community by demonstrating the ideals of Girl Scouting."

The Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon, sponsored by America's Best Cookies (ABC), Security Bank of California, Burgess Moving & Storage and Marketwire, is open to the public. Event hostesses are Patti Cotton Pettis, executive director for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation and a member of the GSSGC board of directors, and Gail Guge, CBA, APR, managing director for Wilkin Guge Marketing and recently named Business Woman of the Year. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased by contacting the Girl Scouts at (800) 400-4475. Proceeds support programs for local girls to help them develop to their fullest potential and become competent, resourceful women.

About Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council (GSSGC) serves more than 15,000 girls in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. With the dedicated support of 5,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts meets the needs of girls ages 5 to 17 years through fun, value-based, educational programs. For more information, visit the GSSGC website at www.gssgc.org or call (800) 400-4475.

For additional information, contact: Michelle Eklund Director of Public Affairs and Marketing (909) 721-8371 cell Email Contact