With Santa Monica’s annual Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) ceremony shaping up to be an exciting affair, winners of the highly-sought after prizes have been announced, with an environmental action group, medical center, luxury hotel, and architectural and urban design firm all in the mix.
The SQAs recognize business excellence across all sectors of Santa Monica’s vibrant and diverse economy, according to organizers, and are a collaboration between the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Works & the City of Santa Monica.
“Celebrating its 21st year, the SQAs continue to see remarkable and innovative businesses, representing a variety of industries, coming forward each year,” organizers said.
This year’s winners will be formally celebrated at the annual awards ceremony on April 21 at Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Hotel.
“Since the launch of the SQA program in 1995, over 140 local business leaders have been recognized for their exceptional performance in helping us realize our goal of a Sustainable Santa Monica,” explained Shannon Parry of the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
“Santa Monica’s Sustainable City Plan was created to enhance our resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic well-being of our community for the sake of current and future generations. These businesses are showing that this is not only possible – it’s profitable,” Parry added.
This year’s program acknowledges four SQA Grand Prize winners and eight Excellence Award winners.
SQA Grand Prizes
Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio, Inc: a Santa Monica based firm, providing architectural, urban design, planning, and sustainability consultations to the local community, Los Angeles, and Central California.
Natural Resources Defense Council: an environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of more than 2 million members and online activists, with the courtroom clout and expertise of nearly 500 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel: one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated beachfront luxury resort hotels with remarkable ocean views located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica: a 265 bed, full-service medical center that serves as the cornerstone of UCLA Health’s Santa Monica medical campus, and employs nearly 2,300 staff.
SQA Excellence Awards
Arthur Murray Dance Center Santa Monica: Excellence in Economic Development
Caffe Bellagio: Excellence in Social Responsibility and Stewardship of the Environment
Global Green: Excellence in Economic Development
haleARTS SPACE: Excellence in Economic Development
Physical Therapyworks: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Santa Monica College: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
The Albright – SM Pier Seafood: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Willow Spa: Excellence in Social Responsibility
The SQAs are scheduled to begin at 11am on April 21st at Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Hotel in the Penthouse Ballroom. Strategist Clinton Moloney from PWC will be the keynote speaker and all SQA winners will be formally recognized during a special award presentation starting at 12pm. A sustainable lunch will be served.
An active networking and exhibitor hour showcasing local businesses and local chefs with their sustainable bites begins at 11am.
Free bike valet will be provided and attendees will receive a raffle ticket for walking, biking or carpooling to the event.
Pre-paid tickets are $50 for Santa Monica Chamber members and $60 for non-members. Head to smsqa.com for more or call 310.393.9825.
