WHEREAS, RideFinders, part of the GRTC Transit System, works to provide efficient transportation choices for residents of Central Virginia by developing ways of moving more commuters in fewer vehicles in order to promote an efficient transportation network and protect air quality; and

WHEREAS, COMPOOL, which was the first nonprofit ride-sharing program in the South, was created in 1981 as a joint effort of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Planning Organization; the name was changed to RideFinders in 1985; and

WHEREAS, from the beginning RideFinders focused on matching commuters with carpools and the group also promoted the use of vanpools; today, RideFinders' vanpool program supports 107 vans of commuters that travel on all the major transportation corridors in the greater Richmond area; and

WHEREAS, RideFinders is ably led by Von S. Tisdale, executive director, whose leadership and vision guide the organization as it strives to fulfill its mission of promoting efficient transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of area employers and residents; and

WHEREAS, RideFinders won an Award of Merit from the Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its 2011 campaign promoting telework options; the telework promotion campaign also received two Gold Awards in the Hermes Creative Awards 2011 competition, which is a program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals; and

WHEREAS, RideFinders' varied services include an Emergency Ride Home initiative for participants in its programs; the organization also provides transit and commuting information and supports regional Transportation Demand Management strategies; and

WHEREAS, RideFinders has a Commuter Store at its office in downtown Richmond and the organization also has unveiled self-serve kiosks for the public; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend RideFinders for 30 years of service to commuters and businesses in Richmond, Petersburg, and the surrounding counties; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Von S. Tisdale, executive director of RideFinders, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's efforts to promote efficient transportation choices that help make Central Virginia a place that people and businesses are proud to call home.