Telecommute Connecticut has been named this year's recipient of the Association for Commuter Transportation's Cathy Cole Memorial Award for Telework.

"We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in promoting telecommuting programs in Connecticut," stated Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Jeffrey A. Parker. "Telecommute Connecticut is an important program designed to not only reduce traffic congestion but to help Connecticut businesses remain competitive within the global market."

The award is given annually by the Association for Commuter Transportation, an international organization that supports efforts to reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy and improve air quality. The Cathy Cole Memorial Award recognizes mobility management professionals and/or member organizations that have demonstrated leadership and achievement in advancing strategies to enable and encourage more employers to adopt telecommuting arrangements for employees.

Organizations or individuals qualifying for the award must have promoted telecommuting by facilitating appropriate collaboration between business and government, developing successful regional programs, improving job access, developing information resources, securing grants, cultivating and sustaining interest within the transportation demand management profession, and/or increasing technical training opportunities.

Telecommute Connecticut is a service of the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Connecticut Commuter Services. The program provides free assistance to employers to design, develop, implement and maintain telecommuting best practices in order to relieve traffic congestion.

Hundreds of Connecticut employers have benefited from the free services of Telecommute Connecticut in the past twelve years. As a result, thousands of employees throughout the state work from home or other remote locations. Most telecommuting arrangements allow for remote work on a regularly scheduled basis or when travel to an office is limited, such as during inclement weather, or because of illness.

"Telecommute Connecticut is extremely proud to be named the recipient of this award and to be recognized by professional colleagues in the field of telecommuting," said Jean Stimolo, Program Manager of Telecommute Connecticut. "We're honored to be recognized for helping make employers aware of the benefits they receive from telecommuting and how implementing a telecommuting program can positively impact their bottom line."

Earlier this year, Telecommute Connecticut released a new Cost Benefit Analysis Calculator. This online tool was designed to illustrate telecommuting's potential savings to employers without reducing their work force, compensation or benefits. The free calculator enables employers to determine return on investment and how telecommuting can help reduce costs, retain valued employees, increase productivity, enhance customer service, expand business operations and address continuity issues.