The Sustainable Quality Awards are now accepting nominations for the 2014 Award Program. This marks the 19th annual award presentation to honor distinguished Santa Monica businesses that have successfully incorporated sustainability practices into their operations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(News Release) - December 10, 2013 - The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee is now accepting nominations for the 19th Annual Sustainable Quality Award Program.  Awardees will be formally honored during a special luncheon award presentation scheduled for April 30, 2014 at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica.

Each year the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica, and Sustainable Works come together to identify and recognize Santa Monica businesses that have successfully incorporated sustainable practices into their operations. What began as a collaborative effort in 1996 has developed into an annual event attracting over 300 participants each year and has featured keynote speakers such as actor Ed Begley Jr., Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia, former California Senator Sheila Kuehl, and Chef & Radio host Evan Kleiman. Past awardees include larger companies including LAcarGUY, Whole Foods Market, and Morley Builders as well as smaller businesses such as Bru's Wiffle and local consulting firm Three Squares Inc.

The SQA Grand Prize will be awarded for combined excellence in three areas: Economic Development, Social Responsibility, and Stewardship of the Natural Environment.  In addition, excellence awards will honor businesses with outstanding achievements in one of the three focus areas. By recognizing these achievements, the Santa Monica Chamber Environmental Affairs Committee looks to educate and inspire local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and support Santa Monica as a sustainable community providing residents and visitors with a strong economy and healthy environment.

Nomination Process

Awardee nominations may be submitted by any interested party on behalf of a Santa Monica area business. Visit smsqa.com to learn more and access the SQA 2014 Nomination Form.  Once completed, this nomination may be submitted via email or fax.  The nomination period closes Monday, December 16, 2013. For any additional information contact Carl Hansen, of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, at 310.393.9825 x116.

Local residents and businesses are encouraged to become involved in the annual award program through nomination of a Santa Monica business or participating in the luncheon event.  The 2014 event promises to provide exciting networking opportunities and marketing benefits for luncheon sponsors.

For award presentation tickets and sponsorship information, please visit: http://smchamber.com/sqa

About the Sustainable Quality Awards

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica, and Sustainable Works have developed the Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) to identify and recognize businesses in the Santa Monica area that are successfully incorporating sustainable practices into their operations.  The SQA is an annual event that promotes the efforts of local businesses that have made significant achievements in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment.

For more information about the Sustainable Quality Awards, please visit:  http://www.smsqa.com or view: http://bit.ly/1jnzB98

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