The SQA was created to recognize businesses in Santa Monica who are making significant achievements in sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the natural environment.
"Santa Monica businesses are at the forefront of so many areas. It's no wonder, then, that our companies have incorporated sustainability into their bottom-lines," said Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. "The Sustainable Quality Awards honor businesses that have gone above and beyond in doing their part to create a more sustainable Santa Monica. We are proud to honor their leadership."
This year, an Individual Stewardship Award will be given to Dean Kubani, manager of the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and Environment, for his vision, creativity and commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the Santa Monica community since 1994 - when the Sustainable City Plan was launched.
The event, lead sponsored by Morley Builders and LAcarGUY, will showcase sustainable food during an active networking hour from local restaurants and previous multi-year SQA Winner, Co-opportunity Natural Grocer. Attendees can look forward to savory bites prepared by chefs from Pono Burger, West 4th and Jane, Bergamot Café, and Lime Cafe, with dessert presented by one of last year's SQA Grand Prize Winners, Perry's at the Beach.
Noted "organic" architect Eric Corey Freed will keynote the awards. Freed is Vice President of the International Living Future Institute, a global hub for visionary programs, including the Living Building Challenge and Living Product Challenge. Freed brings over 20 years of experience using sustainability to improve the design and operational savings for thousands of buildings around the country.
19 businesses are confirmed finalists for the 20th Annual SQA program:
Alchemie Spa
Capital Intelligence Associates
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica
Hale Arts Space
Hulu
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
Locanda Del Lago
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
New Roads School
Red Bull North America
Santa Monica Catholic Community
Santa Monica Hybrid
Santa Monica Seafood
Shore Hotel
Standard Parking Corporation /Central Parking
The Growing Place
Treats Frozen Yogurt and Dessert Bar
UBM Canon
Event Information
SQA winners will be announced in mid-March and formally recognized during a special luncheon award presentation scheduled for April 16, 2015 at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica. Bike valet will be provided and attendees will receive a free raffle ticket for walking, biking or carpooling to the event.
Luncheon Ticket Information
Pre-paid tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased by visiting smsqa.com or reserve tickets in advance by calling 310.393.9825.
Partner with SQA and show your support!
Event sponsorship and exhibitor information is available on 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 incorportating 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 smsqa.com or smchamber.com/sqa
