Since the Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) program launched in 1995, more than 125 Santa Monica businesses have been recognized.
Come this Wednesday, 13 more businesses will be added to that list.
The SQA is a collaboration between the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica, and Sustainable Works to identify and recognize Santa Monica businesses that have successfully incorporated sustainable practices into their operations.
The SQA is intended to educate and inspire local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and support Santa Monica as a sustainable community.
Again this year, the event’s LEED sponsors are Morley Builders and LAcarGuy.
Rachelle Carson-Begley will introduce the 2014 Individual Stewardship Award in memory of Mark Benjamin, former CEO of a Santa Monica-based construction company Morley Builders.
The Individual Stewardship Award is presented to an outstanding individual in recognition of their vision, creativity, and commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the urban environment.
Morley Builders, one of the largest construction and engineering firms in Southern California, is a past SQA winner and a long-time supporter of the annual awards program.
Charlie Muttillo, President of Morley Builders, said Mark Benjamin was a champion of the environment.
“His passion is evident in our Santa Monica office and equipment yard building in Montebello,” Muttillo said. “He instilled a sense of pride throughout Morley Builders with his thoughtful leadership in green practices and sustainability. He will be remembered for leaving this world a better place.”
Luncheon attendees will also enjoy a special networking hour with “Sustainable Bites” inspired by locally harvested fruits and vegetables from the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
The bites will be prepared by celebrated Santa Monica chefs and past SQA winners from local favorites including Chef Ray Garcia of Fig at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Hannah An of Tiato & An Catering, Ebru Caplan of Bru’s Wiffle, Chef Nick Shipp of Upper West, and culinary students from The Art Institute of California/International Culinary School.
Attendees can look forward to an assortment of creative bites including famous mini waffle pizzas and rice balls from Bru’s Wiffle.
The networking hour will be followed by a delicious sustainable seafood luncheon served with desserts provided by Fred Deni of Back on the Beach/Back on Broadway Café.
Pre-paid tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members.
Tickets can also be purchased by visiting smsqa.com or reserve tickets by calling 310.393.9825.
Event sponsorship or exhibitor information is available on smchamber.com/sqa.
For more information on the Sustainable Quality Award program, visit smsqa.com.
SQA Grand Prize Winners
• Phelps
• Perry’s at the Beach
SQA Excellence Winners
• Bike and Park Santa Monica – Economic Development
• Bryan Cave LLP – Social Responsibility
• The Digital Difference – Stewardship of the Environment
• Hostelling International LA/ Santa Monica – Stewardship of the Environment
• Huckleberry Café, Bakery & Catering – Stewardship of the Environment
• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel – Social Responsibility
• Red Bull North America – Social Responsibility
• Santa Monica Daily Press – Social Responsibility
• The Santa Monica Museum of Art – Stewardship of the Environment
• Shore Hotel – Social Responsibility & Stewardship of the Environment
• Yahoo, Inc. – Social Responsibility
