NFL player Kerry Rhodes to receive the LIVE THE DREAM Award on February 18, 2008

For Media Inquires for Kerry Rhodes while he is in Birmingham Feb 18th-19th please contact Tamiko Thomas of Ideal PR who will be in Alabama with Kerry during this time...
CONGRATS KERRY

Contact Information For The Event Below:

Brannon Dawkins 205-241-8127 Melanie Davis 205-241-8102

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2007 “LIVE THE DREAM” AWARDS

Recognizing Excellence in the Region

Every year the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce wonders how it will top the next “Live the Dream” award winners. But the 2007 class has proven its worth with a star-packed group. The Chamber will honor the award recipients on Monday, February 18 at 5 p.m. at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (520 16th Street North). This group of accomplished citizens has not only excelled in their field, but also helps to put the spotlight on their hometown… the Birmingham region.

The 2007 “Live the Dream” Award recipients include:

· Rebecca Luker, Broadway Actor and Tony Award nominee

· Max Cooper, Tony Award-Winning Producer

· Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Civil Rights Activist (Lifetime Achievement)

· Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets Football Player

· Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

· Brett Blackledge, Pulitzer Prize winner

· Steve Orel, Education Activist

The Chamber created the annual awards program in 2003 to honor individuals or groups that have achieved their dreams and made a positive impact on the Birmingham region. The selection committee is comprised of regional leaders from key businesses, civic organizations, and representatives from surrounding counties. They select the winners based on strict criteria:

· Demonstration by the nominee that people in the region can “live their dreams.”

· Demonstrated excellence in his/her field or specialty.

· The nominee has made a substantial impact on the community.

· The accomplishment is worthy of emulation.

· The accomplishment is considered unique.

· The accomplishment enhances a sense of community in the region.

· The nominee has brought positive national or international recognition to the region.

Past winners of the award include U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, Miss America Deidre Downs, Teacher of the Year Betsy Rogers and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

Photo and Interview Opportunity

“Live the Dream” Award

Monday, February 18 at 5 p.m.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Biographies will be available to the media at the press conference.