The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants won the coveted Corporate Social Responsibility award from PR News at its annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards luncheon at the National Press Club on March 19.

The AICPA received the award for the corporate citizenship efforts it initiated following the relocation of the majority of the AICPA's operations from New Jersey to Durham in 2006.

"It's a tremendous honor to win this award, which recognizes the volunteer efforts of the AICPA and its staff to build strong community ties," said Victor Velazquez, AICPA vice president of member service and operations. "The AICPA has focused its volunteer efforts on education, economic development and the arts."

Following its relocation to North Carolina, the AICPA chose The Volunteer Center of Durham and the Durham Public Schools as the foundation for the volunteer efforts of AICPA employees in the Research Triangle area. The Institute also sponsored the Durham Bulls Education Rewards Program, which resulted in the attendance of 10,000 students and 9,000 educators at a ballgame last summer. In addition, the AICPA supported Project Homeless Connect and made financial contributions to various local arts organizations.