Click here to register for AIRCorps!

View current list of members

About Us

Valley AIRCorps is a business outreach program that creates and nurtures clean air partnerships with Winchester-Frederick County businesses, spreads the word about our air quality challenges, and provides valuable public health networking. The center of the program is membership in the Air Quality Action Day Network (AQAD)--a network to inform the public of health risks on Code Orange Action Days and to take simple steps to reduce smog-inducing emissions.

We are concerned. Clean air and blue skies are Valley hallmarks. But our way of life is threatened by pollution. On 46 occasions since 1992, Winchester-Frederick County has exceeded safe concentrations of ground-level ozone. That kind of problem affects us from our health to our pocketbooks. But the good news is there are things we can do about it--and your business is in perfect position to provide recognized leadership.

Our Program

When unhealthy ozone levels are likely, the Valley AIRNow Outreach team notifies participants via e-mail, fax, and/or phone. Announcements are also made via local news broadcasts and daily updates on this Web site and the Air Quality Hotline (540.450.2207). 

Employers are asked to inform employees and customers about forecast Air Quality Action Days and suggest voluntary actions individual can take to reduce the release of ozone-forming agents, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Appoint a Clean Air Coordinator and we will help you create your own Air Quality Action Day program for your business.

Help us promote your positive steps by demonstrating that your business cares about the community and the environment.

• Encourage employee ridesharing, transit use, biking or walking to work
• Encourage employee telecommuting (Call the NetTech Center of Winchester @ 540.450.2222), flex time, compressed work week, staggered work hours especially on Air Quality Action Days
• Participate in our reduced idling program
• Provide sponsorship for community incentives
• Institute policies governing mowing, painting, refueling, and other emissions activities on Air Quality Action Days
• Be creative! There are countless way to cut back on emissions. Let us help you figure out what could work for you and your workforce.

We highlight outstanding programs at the end of each ozone season - businesses taking leadership initiative - we'll be praising you during a media event and on our website for doing your share to preserve our air!

How To Join

1. Have senior management adopt the program. The program is run through Valley AIRNow - ask us to help you present it. Be sure your senior management fully understands and support the program.
2. Complete the registration form.
3. Appoint a Clean Air Coordinator and subscribe to the free email or fax notification system for Air Quality Action Days. Usually an administrative assistant or human resources manager - someone who has regular contact with your staff.
4. Learn the basics about ozone. You and your coordinator need to share your knowledge with your staff.
5. Start informing your staff about ozone and about the Valley AIRCorps through email, posters, brochures, etc.  

During ozone season (May 1-September 30), company program coordinators devote only 20-45 minutes per Air Quality Action Day to the program, making it easy to integrate into a daily work schedule. We have only had 1-2 Air Quality Action Days during the past few summers. You really have no excuse ... it takes very little of your time and your company receives free advertising for doing their share to improve our air! 

Ozone Action Days participants are also encouraged to modify their company operations when Ozone Action Days are in effect.

Click here for an AIRCorps brochure in .pdf format.

Click here to learn about current AIRCorps members and how they are doing their share to preserve our air.

Northern Shenandoah Valley Air Quality Improvement Task Force
Phone: 540-450-2207 | | info@valleyairnow.com