PIABA Solicits Nominees for Beckley Award Wednesday, April 16, 2003.

Norman, Oklahoma. The James E. Beckley "Golden Bow Tie" Committee is soliciting nominations for the 2003 Award. Jim Beckley was a PIABA member and board member for many years. Jim was instrumental in helping to establish a national presence for PIABA by serving as a public member of the SICA committee, it is thought, since its formation until his death on December 24, 1999. Jim was elected PIABA president in October 199 and as such until his untimely death later that year.

When the Beckley Award was established, the committee released the following statement and selection criteria:

"PIABA announces the creation of the Jim Beckley Golden Bow Tie Award. The award is named for our late, former president and colleague, whose untimely passing left a void in our organization and in our hearts.

Jim Beckley stood for integrity, for the highest standards of professionalism, and for fairness in arbitration. He was a role model for all of us. PIABA will confer the award on the individual who represents and promotes the ideals for which Jim stood."

Nominees need not be PIABA members. Nominations must be submitted in writing to the PIABA office at 2241 W. Lindsey Street, Ste. 500, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, so as to be received by June 15, 2003.

For more information, contact Robin S. Ringo, PIABA Executive Director at 1.888.621.7484 or by e-mail at rsringo@PIABA.org.