The 20th Anniversary Sustainable Quality Award Winners Announced

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - April 10, 2015 - PRLog -- The 2015 Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) recognize business excellence across all sectors of Santa Monica's vibrant and diverse economy.  Celebrating its 20th year, the SQA continues to see amazing and innovative businesses, representing dozens of industries, coming forward each year.  The SQA is proud to announce this year's winners, which will be formally recognized at the 20th annual awards luncheon on April 16th at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica.

"We are so proud to celebrate 20 years of the oldest and most rigorous sustainable business award in Southern California" says Shannon Parry with the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment. "175 awards have been given to 131 businesses since 1995. These awards recognize businesses for their exemplary leadership and we hope to inspire other businesses to take action to further our Sustainable City Plan goals," says Parry.

The SQA Grand Prize is given to businesses that make significant achievements in the categories of sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the environment.  Excellence awards are given to outstanding achievements in any one of the three areas.

This year's program recognizes three SQA Grand Prize winners and ten Excellence award winners in the following categories:

SQA Grand Prize

Capital Intelligence Associates: a full service wealth management firm, helping clients address today's complex regulated financial landscape in a conscientious manner.

Locanda del Lago: serving authentic, Northern Italian cuisine using local California Farmer's Market organic ingredients on Third Street Promenade for 24 years.

Shore Hotel: a LEED Gold certified hotel blending inspired modern design with truly eco-conscious practices all in a spectacular beachside setting.

SQA Excellence Award

Alchemie Spa: Stewardship of the Environment

Community Corporation of Santa Monica: Social Responsibility

Hulu: Social Responsibility

Le Meridien Delfina Hotel: Social Responsibility

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel: Stewardship of the Environment

Red Bull North America: Social Responsibility

St. Monica Catholic Community: Social Responsibility

Santa Monica Hybrid - The Hybrid Shop: Stewardship of the Environment

Santa Monica Seafood: Economic Development

SP Plus: Economic Development

Individual Stewardship Award

The Individual Stewardship Award for 2015 will be given to Dean Kubani, manager of the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and Environment.  Kubani is being recognized for his vision, creativity, and ongoing role in advancing sustainable practices in the Santa Monica.

Keynote by renowned architect Eric Corey Freed:
Drawing on his 20 years experience using sustainability in business to improve design and gain operational savings for thousands of buildings around the country, renowned "organic" architect Eric Corey Freed will speak about the innovative edge of sustainable practices for urban communities. Freed is Vice President of the International Living Future Institute, a global hub for original programs, including the Living Building Challenge and Living Product Challenge.

This Zero Waste event, lead sponsored by Morley Builders and LAcarGUY, will showcase celebrated local chefs highlighting Farmers Market produce. Attendees will savor sustainable bites during the networking hour  from Co-Opportunity Natural Grocer, 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.

Event Information:
SQA winners will be formally recognized during a special luncheon award presentation scheduled to begin 11 a.m. on April 16, 2015 at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica.

An active networking and exhibitor hour showcasing sustainable bites from local chefs begins at 11am.
Free bike valet will be provided and attendees will receive a raffle ticket for walking, biking or carpooling to the event.
#BiketoSQAs #SQA2015 #SMChamber #SustainableWorks #ThinkSustainably #BikeLocal #SantaMonica

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.  The first 35 registrants who commit and show up by bike will have their tickets sponsored by The Santa Monica Bike Center.

Pedal your way to receive a free event ticket!

The Santa Monica Bike Center will pick up the tab for the awards luncheon for the first 35 registrants who pledge to arrive by bike. Last year, the Santa Monica Bike Center won SQA Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment.

Partner with SQA and show your support!
Event sponsorship and exhibitor information is available onsmsqa.com.

For more information about the Sustainable Quality Awards, please visit smsqa.com.