Keep Texas Beautiful , a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement organization, recently named Keep Brazos Beautiful a Gold Star Affiliate, a designation conferred on just 55 of KTB’s more than 360 affiliates in 2011. Gold Star recognition is the highest status any community affiliate can achieve.

Keep Brazos Beautiful successfully implemented programs to prevent litter, reduce waste, beautify community areas and educate local citizens last year.

To stay in good standing with KTB, community affiliates must annually submit a report, pay a fee, attend at least one training session and participate in at least one KTB-endorsed activity. In 2004, the organization introduced the concept of Gold Star recognition, to reward those communities who sought to go above and beyond the established requirements. To achieve this status, affiliates are required to meet additional benchmarks; they must share information on their mission and goals, answer questions about their educational programs and solid waste initiatives, participate in the Keep Texas Beautiful or Governor’s Community Achievement Awards programs, and provide a letter of support from their community. KTB formally recognized Gold Star communities during its 44th Annual Conference in downtown Austin, which was held June 20-23, 2011.

Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement nonprofit, strives to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community’s environment. KTB and its more than 360 affiliates work with government, businesses, civic groups and volunteers to ensure every Texan has the opportunity to make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit www.ktb.org.