Camden County has been recognized with four (4) Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Due to the exceptional results and unique innovations, two (2) awards were "Best of Category" honors. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

"I'm thrilled with this announcement! NACo recognizes progressive and innovative county programs, and to be formally recognized nationally allows Camden County to share our accomplishments with other counties across the nation," said Steve L. Howard, County Administrator.

NACo recognized the following programs in Camden County:

• Co-Sharing Fleet Management Resources: "Sharing Services Among Different Fleets" (Best of Category in County Administration & Management)
•  Magistrate Court Streamlines Arrest Warrant/First Appearance Hearing with New Electronic Warrant Process (Best of Category in Court Administration and Management)
•  New and Enhanced Citizens' Academy: "Working in  Partnership with the Community"
•  Strategic Plan 2015 ~ 2020 ~ 2030: "A Blueprint for Success"

NACo President Riki Hokama, council member, Maui County, Hawaii, said, "The National Association of Counties applauds county governments that are embracing pioneering and more effective ways to serve their constituents.  The Achievement Awards recognize counties' outstanding efforts to strengthen services and deliver results for residents across the country."

Nationally, awards are given in 21 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide.  The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

Camden County will be recognized at NACo's 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition on July 12, 2015 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  County Administrator Steve Howard and Magistrate Court Judge Jennifer Lewis will be in attendance to accept the awards on the County's behalf.

Started in 1973, NACo's annual Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize innovative county government programs.  Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Jimmy Starline signed the much anticipated contract and said "This is the first step toward what could be the most beneficial project that the County has ever tried to undertake." 

Camden's MSW facility, located on the western edge of the county, hosted about 50 children plus adults, awarding top prizes for categories such as the youngest fisherman, largest catfish and largest bass. The youngsters loved catching plenty of fish and enjoyed consuming lots of hot dogs throughout the derby.

Lucas Crosby, Youngest Fisherman

 Camden County's MSW Landfill has been hosting the annual Fishing Derby for over 20 years.  A special thanks to Advance Disposal for providing the prizes for the 2015 Little Angler Winners.

Michael Strickland, Largest Catfish

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

If you must be out in the heat:                                                             

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on outdoor exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first "tip" (above), too.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
• Keep a copy of the attached handout with youonsite so that you can protect yourself, easily recognize the signs and symptoms, and  know what to do if you or a co-worker begin to show signs of a heat related illness while help is on its way.
• Call 911 if you or a co-worker begin to show signs or symptoms of a heat related illness.