Santa Monica - January 28, 2013 - The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment, will commemorate an exciting milestone at the upcoming Sustainable Quality Awards luncheon.

The 2013 Awards Luncheon, taking place at the Sheraton Santa Monica on March 13th, will celebrate over 100 businesses honored since the Sustainable Quality Awards launched in 1995, and will feature special appearances by Ed Begley Jr. and California State Senator Sheila Kuehl.

The Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA), a collaboration between the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica, was created to recognize businesses in Santa Monica that have made significant achievements in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the natural environment.

"Since the launch of the Sustainable Quality Awards 18 years ago, we have recognized more than 100 local businesses - that is quite an awesome achievement!  The SQA program allows us to applaud these businesses and highlight how they make a difference in our local community," says Shannon Parry, assistant director for the Office of Sustainability and the Environment for the City of Santa Monica.  

The number of applicants for the 18th annual Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) reached a new record at 19 finalists.

"We are thrilled to honor businesses that have thrived through the adoption of more sustainable practices," said Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.  "It is our hope that the Sustainable Quality Awards inspire other businesses and individuals to adopt their own environmental measures to help conserve our natural resources here in Santa Monica."

A list of 2013 SQA nominees:

1. The Ambrose - the Ambrose offers a touch of holistic hospitality by blending upscale tranquility with affordable luxury and low impact hotel practices.
2. Areal Restaurant - this sustainable farm-to-table establishment is designed to enjoy food and drink basked in Southern California lifestyle and leisure.
3. Bru's Wiffle (A Waffle Joint) - a cozy, bright yellow Waffle Joint where everything is made from scratch, using only the freshest and finest ingredients.
4. Central Parking - a professional parking management firm operating nation-wide in structures, open lots and pay-by space lots.
5. Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. - a non-profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown while promoting economic stability, growth and community life.
6. Heal the Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - a marine-education center providing interactive experience and public education to inspire stewardship of the environment and marine conservation.
7. HGA Architects and Engineers, Inc. - an integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm.
8. Hostelling International Los Angeles / Santa Monica - an eco-friendly, high-end hostel experience two blocks from the beach. 
9. LEAF Lifestyle, Inc. - offers personal training and lifestyle transformation services through a holistic approach to health and wellness.
10. Payroll CentricTM, Inc. - a supplier of integrated workforce management solutions, primarily payroll, designed to increase productivity, improve employee retention and reduce expenses.
11. Real Food Daily - a full service restaurant in Santa Monica serving gourmet organic vegan cuisine.
12. Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau - works to maximize the visitor experience, increase tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination.
13. Santa Monica Museum of Art - through its exhibitions, education, and outreach programs, the SMMoA fosters diversity, innovation and discovery in contemporary art.
14. Santa Monica Place / Macerich - a modern, open-air shopping destination featuring Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and a contemporary mix of shops and visionary restaurants.
15. Three Squares Inc. - a globally recognized environmental consulting firm. The Women in Green Forum, highlighting women's impact on the environmental arena, is TSI's flagship conference.
16. Tiato Kitchen Bar Garden and An Catering - healthy, delicious, and eco-chic dining and catering experience that enhances lifestyle and well-being.
17. The UCLA Family Commons - provides programming including family coaching, social skills, martial arts, and yoga to increase the well-being of the families.
18. Wells Fargo Bank - provides diversified financial services nationally and worldwide.
19. yogitoes, Inc. - a creative yoga products company making sustainable yoga tools by integrating need with design.

SQA winners will be announced in early February, and recognized at an awards luncheon held at the Sheraton Santa Monica on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Pre-paid tickets are $55 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members until March 6, 2013. 

Please reserve tickets by calling 310.393.9825.  Tickets can also be purchased at www.smsqa.com.

For more information on the Sustainable Quality Awards visit www.smsqa.com.