Annapolis, MD (May 17, 2006) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced that Anne Arundel County has received a National Financial Reporting Award, for the twenty-fifth consecutive year. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Anne Arundel County. It was awarded for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the year ended June 30, 2005. "I salute the dedicated employees, who for a quarter of a century have worked diligently on behalf of Anne Arundel County," said County Executive Owens. "This National award may seem obscure, but is a very important factor when dealing with the New York Bond Rating Agencies." The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 16,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D. C. | 
