HARRISBURG (March 2, 2005) � The Pennsylvania Bar Association Conference of County Bar Leaders (CCBL) will honor Bar Association of Lehigh County Executive Director Marianne Canning for her commitment to the legal profession. Canning will receive the eighth annual Arthur J. Birdsall Award during the 39th annual seminar of the CCBL March 4 in State College.

The Arthur J. Birdsall Award, which is named for the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) county bar services director who has served the PBA for 38 years, is presented to a county bar executive who demonstrates the highest traditions of professional excellence, is committed to the success of his or her bar association and has enhanced significantly the stature of his or her bar association. Birdsall accepted the first award at the 32nd annual CCBL.

�This award is designed to recognize those county bar leaders who go above and beyond what is expected,� noted PBA President Michael H. Reed. �The PBA is pleased to honor Marianne for her outstanding dedication to the legal profession.�

Bar Association of Lehigh County (BALC) Secretary Alfred Hettinger said in his nomination letter, �Marianne has provided leadership and guidance to the officers, directors, staff and members. Her never failing presence has been immeasurable in giving the benefit of her experience and freely giving of her time to guide the decision-making process for the association.�

In the nomination, Canning was commended for her 20 years of service to the BALC. �Marianne has been at the helm of the BALC through its largest growth era. She has been creative and relentless in her efforts in developing new programs and reinventing old ones to garner growing interest and support among the BALC�s nearly 600 members.� She is credited with expanding the association�s continuing legal education programs and facilities, establishing the Barristers Club and maintaining a working relationship with the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Canning is a past member of the CCBL Executive Committee and also is a past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Bar Executives.