The Honorary Commanders Association, a community relations program run as a cooperative effort by the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and area military, is accepting applications for the Class of 2009. The yearlong program is designed to give selected business and community leaders an opportunity to learn more about the activities of the military at sites in Moon and the Pittsburgh region. Call 412-264-6270 for additional information and an application. Application deadline is Jan. 12, 2009.

Garrett Creative was awarded the Celebrity Ventures account, which includes Web and interactive development projects. Work will begin with the redesign of the Bettis' Grille 36 Web site.

Fairchild International named Levy MG as its advertising agency of record. Levy MG will provide Fairchild with sales literature, print advertising, Web development, media relations and trade show support.

The Association of Energy Engineers presented the "Energy Professional Development Award" to Mark Sankey at the 31st World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington, D.C. Mr. Sankey is vice president of VS Energy, a WBE headquartered in Washington, Pa., and Victor, N.Y. He provides technical and energy consulting services to a wide variety of firms, most recently Xerox Corp.

Meg Cheever, president and CEO, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, an annual award presented to women nominated within their community for accomplishments of statewide or national importance. Ms. Cheever was honored for her passion for Pittsburgh's historic parks and commitment to restoring them to excellence.

The Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association presented its President's Award for Distinguished Career Achievement to municipal attorney Ira Weiss at PSBSA's School Law Workshop in Hershey. The annual award recognizes a PSBSA member who has contributed to Pennsylvania School Law through achievement at the highest level of professional accomplishment and has donated energy and talent to the association, its members and to Pennsylvania's Public Schools

Tim Hayes, president, Tim Hayes Communications, won the national Award of Excellence in Speechwriting, presented by PR News at its Platinum PR Awards. Mr. Hayes also won an Award of Honor in Speechwriting, presented by the International Association of Business Communicators-Pittsburgh Chapter at its Golden Triangle Awards.

David H. Perlmutter, M.D., scientific director and physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, was elected to the prestigious Institute of Medicine, established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues.

Jackson Lewis LLP said Lynn C. Outwater, managing partner of its Pittsburgh office, was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2009 in the field of labor and employment law.