LOUISVILLE — ­Encino Energy is the winner of the Excellence Award in the Large Business category this year, awarded by the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance.

The EODA is an independent and nonprofit organization that promotes economic development with representatives from sixteen counties in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio.

“I am very pleased to announce that Encino Energy has been selected as one of EODA’s well-deserving Excellence Award recipients,” said Jim Schoch, executive director of EODA.

Encino is the first exploration and production company to receive an excellence award from the EODA.

The Alliance recognized Encino’s investment in and transparent communication with the communities in which Encino serves and operates.

The successful prioritization of safety in all operations and the efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts were among other reasons that the EODA chose to highlight Encino for its excellence.

Encino was nominated by Terry Bell, vice president of the Jefferson County Township Association.

“I was motivated to nominate Encino for the EODA Excellence Award because I’ve seen the hard work they’ve put into serving and partnering with our townships,” said Terry Bell of the Jefferson Township Association.

“The commitment Encino has to operating sustainably is clear, and that includes maintaining strong relationships with the whole region through education, outreach, and partnership initiatives.”

The award was accepted by several members of the Encino team, including the Chief Operating Officer Ray Walker.

“To receive the Eastern Ohio Developmental Allianceás Large Business Excellence Award is a tremendous honor that could not have been accomplished without the ongoing partnership we have with the communities in which we live, work, and operate,” Walker said. “Encino is committed to do the right things for the right reasons while never losing sight of long-term focus and safety. We are excited and optimistic about our future in Ohio, and we are deeply humbled by this extraordinary recognition from EODA.”