At the 2003 BSU Earthweek activities COTE announced the inaugural receipients of its COTE Exemplar Awards.  The awards recognize individuals or groups with significant accomplishments promoting the sustainable use of natural resources or the protection of ecological systems.  The 2003 receipients were:

Frank Bracken, Bingham Summers Welsh & Spillman 
(Lifetime Achievement Award)
in recognition of a record of continual significant accomplishments throughout his lifetime in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources or the protection of ecological systems—through public service.

Jim Davis, Paws Inc.
in recognition of his significant accomplishments in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources or the protection of ecological systems—through day-to-day practice.

Seth Slaybaugh, The Star Press
in recognition of his significant accomplishments in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources or the protection of ecological systems—through unbiased reporting.