As the founder and president of Consensus Development Corporation, Mr. Allen demonstrated a profoundly conscientious commitment to the environmental health and safety of his employees. He established a fragrance-free policy in the office, specified the use of nontoxic and fragrance-free janitorial products, and made generous use of non- toxic building materials, fresh air, and natural light in the construction of his building. His new company will be located in an office just as environmentally friendly.

"We established this award to call attention to the issue of environmental health in the workplace. Most of our members had their first exposures to toxic chemicals while at work and many are now permanently disabled. Fragrances are a significant barrier to employment for these people," said Barbara Wilkie, a member of the EHN board.

Mr. Allen said, "I have always believed that a humane and ergonomic office environment leads to both staff satisfaction and improved productivity. My policies on a fragrance-free workplace are based on this premise. I am grateful that the Environmental Health Network is educating the public on the importance of the office environment where we spend more than half our waking lives."

Consensus Development Corporation was purchased by Certicom, a Canadian company, in July 1998. Christopher Allen recently left Consensus to form Alacrity Ventures in Berkeley, Calif. Alacrity Ventures is an angel capital firm, which invests in and mentors Internet and other high technology startup companies.

The Environmental Health Network is a nonprofit organization, which provides information, referrals, and advocacy for people who have been chemically injured and who suffer from such conditions as multiple chemical sensitivity, asthma, chronic fatigue, seizures and anaphylactic shock. EHN was established over fifteen years ago.

The award also honors the memory of Julia Kendall, an environmental activist who died in 1997 from complications of leukemia. Julia Kendall was well known for her claim against American Airlines for its practice of spraying pesticides on its passengers. She was also known for publicizing the hazards of chemical fragrances Despite her own ill health, Julia was a devoted advocate for people who had been chemically injured.

This first Julia Kendall Award was created by Stephen Bauer, a San Francisco artist and furniture designer. The award is a butterfly-shaped tray finished in cracked linen and lacquer. A butterfly is depicted on the surface of the tray in tarnished silver leaf. The butterfly motif is appropriate for this award, signifying renewal and awakening. Butterflies are also extremely susceptible to the hazards of pesticides and pollution.