Via press release.
Celebrating its 22nd year, the Sustainable Quality Awards recognize local businesses that demonstrate excellence in helping Santa Monica continue to move toward a more sustainable future. The annual awards ceremony will take place April 20, 2017, at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel to formally recognize this year’s winners.
“Since 1995, the SQA program has honored 150 businesses for their outstanding leadership in sustainability. Through this celebration, we hope to drive innovation and motivate others to also invest in sustainable practices, and ultimately the future of a sustainable Santa Monica,” said Laurel Rosen, President of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. “The city of Santa Monica is proud to honor and applaud each and every one of these businesses’ dedication to maintaining the quality of life in our community.”
The SQA Grand Prizes are given to businesses that excelled in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment. Excellence awards are given to outstanding achievements in any one or two of the three categories.
The 2017 Sustainable Quality Awards honor four Grand Prize winners and seven Excellence Award winners:
SQA Grand Prizes
The Albright: a family run and operated seafood restaurant praised for being the first sustainable business on the Santa Monica Pier that continues to inspire a green movement across all businesses on the Pier.
Apogee Electronics Corporation: a manufacturer of digital audio interfaces and audio converters that strives to achieve the most ecofriendly and balanced business possible by minimizing plastic and environmentally harmful components in its products.
LivingHomes: a designer and developer of modern prefabricated homes that combine world-class architecture with an unparalleled commitment to healthy and sustainable construction.
Santa Monica Place – Macerich: the award winning, LEED® Gold-certified shopping experience offering a collection of luxury brands, open air dining and entertainment.
SQA Excellence Awards
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop: Excellence in Economic Development
Le MeridienDelfina Hotel: Excellence in Social Responsibility
Back on the Beach Café: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Beautycounter: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Red Bull North America: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Uplifters Kitchen: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Water Garden: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Keynote Speaker: John Picard
John Picard is well known for his advocacy of green architecture and construction, and is credited with pioneering the sustainability movement in building efficiency and energy. Under President Bill Clinton, John established the foundation of what would eventually become the US Green Building Council and a number of “firsts” in the green building movement. Working for firms as diverse as Microsoft, BP, Sony, The Gap, eBay, MGM and countless others, John has left his mark on each place he worked leading to more sustainable practices.
Green Event
This zero waste event, lead sponsored by Morley Builders and LAcarGUY, will showcase local restaurants highlighting Santa Monica’s Farmers Market produce. Additional sponsors include Kaiser Permanente and Arizona State University.
Free bike valet will be provided and attendees will receive a raffle ticket for walking, biking or carpooling to the event.
Event Information
The SQA’s will take place at Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Hotel in the Penthouse Ballroom. On April 20, the event begins at 11:00 a.m. with an active networking and exhibitor hour, showcasing local businesses and chefs with sustainable bites from Bareburger, Urth Café, Upper West and Mendocino Farms.
SQA winners will be formally recognized during a special award presentation starting at 12:00 p.m. A sustainable plated lunch will be served.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.smsqa.com or reserved in advance by calling 310.393.9825. Pre-paid tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members.
About Sustainable Quality Awards:
The SQAs were founded to recognize businesses in the Santa Monica area that are successfully incorporating sustainable practices into their operations; businesses that make significant achievements in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment. Morley Builders and LAcarGuy continue to support this event as Lead Sponsors. Santa Monica Travel + Tourism and Metropolitan Pacific join as reception sponsors. Additional sponsors include Kaiser Permanente and Arizona State University.
For more information visit www.smsqa.com
