Awards are a good idea, used appropriately.
I think they should be used to recognize efforts of individuals/organizations that go beyond the ordinary. A company should not use them to try and prove their worth.
With any award, rather than assuming that it means something, we should hear the reasons for getting the award and understand what under what conditions the award is granted.
There are many good awards, not just the HAI awards. I work with many people that have done missions that definitely warrant some recognition and as far as I know they haven't received anything from HAI.
Matthew.
[This message has been edited by heedm (edited 23 May 2001).]