2022 Sustainable Quality Award (SQA) Winners Announced for Achievements Incorporating Sustainable Practices into Business
Celebrating its 26th year, the Sustainable Quality Awards, hosted in partnership by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica, and Sustainable Works, recognize local businesses that demonstrate excellence in helping Santa Monica continue to move toward a more sustainable future. The annual awards ceremony will take place virtually April 27th from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. A live SQA Power mixer hosted by Back on the Beach Cafe, will take place on May 18th from 5-7pm in collaboration with the Santa Monica Chamber’s Biz@Sunset mixer.
“Since 1995, the SQAs have honored 166 Santa Monica area businesses with over 220 awards. These businesses are demonstrating that environmental protection, economic vitality, and social equity are mutually dependent. We are inspired by their actions and grateful for their leadership,”
Says Shannon Parry, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Santa Monica.
SQA Grand Prizes are given to businesses that excel in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the environment. Excellence awards are given to outstanding achievements in any one or two of the three categories.
“Applying for and earning a community SQA 2019 Grand Prize allowed us to review and make stronger commitments to our social, economic & environmental practices at our beach cafe. We feel better about ourselves and receive gratitude from numerous customers,” says Jim Christel, Co-owner, Back on the Beach Cafe. “It is especially satisfying to see our younger summer hires advocate for the marine-degradable, plastic-free to-go packaging and separating recyclables and food scraps from ending up in the refuse bins.”
The 2022 Sustainable Quality Awards honors three Grand Prize winners and six Excellence Award winners. All of this year’s winners participated in the City of Santa Monica’s Green Business Program, administered by Sustainable Works, and five achieved Santa Monica’s Green Business Certification (http://smgbc.org/directory/)
SQA Grand Prize
Kite, a Gilead Company: is focused on the cure. Kite’s singular focus is on cell therapy — the use of genetically modified immune cells programmed to target tumors — which they believe has the potential to change the way cancer is treated.
SweisKloss: is a full-service boutique firm specializing in building design, interior design and construction. Residential projects include ground-up new build homes, additions, and full renovations.
Untitled No. 1 School: is a full-day community preschool for families evenly spread across income levels. Children are taught in a nature-based setting with a high ratio of teachers, all of whom attend to various aspects of development. They provide scholarships to maintain the socio-economic balance.
SQA Excellence Awards
Heal the Bay Aquarium: Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Shore Hotel: Excellence in Economic Development and Stewardship of the Environment
Three Squares Inc.: Excellence in Social Responsibility and Stewardship of the Environment
“We are once again proud to recognize these local businesses that go above and beyond in their sustainable practices,” Matt Stauffer, interim CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber, said. “By honoring their efforts we hope to inspire all businesses to incorporate sustainability into their daily operations.”
In addition to being recognized at the SQA ceremony, these distinguished businesses are featured regularly in Green Business Tours, City presentations, the Sustainable SaMo newsletter, and social media.
Individual Stewardship Award
An Individual Stewardship Award will be given to Laurel Rosen, who recently stepped down from serving as President and CEO after 14 years. Prior to taking the helm of the Chamber, she served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for nine years. Rosen is being recognized for her dedication and commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the Santa Monica Business Community during her Chamber leadership.
Event Information
The SQA awards ceremony will take place virtually on Wednesday April 27th at 12:00 Noon. Tickets can be purchased online at www.smsqa.com. Pre-paid tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.
The in-person SQA Power Mixer event will be held on Wednesday March 18th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Back on the Beach Cafe during the Santa Monica Chamber’s Biz@Sunset mixer. The in-person event will recognize the 2022 winners, and feature exhibitor tables from previous SQA winners. Attendees can enjoy networking, small bites, and learn from fellow sustainably-minded businesses and officials. Register for the Power mixer at www.smsqa.com
About Sustainable Quality Awards
The SQAs were founded to recognize businesses in the Santa Monica area that are successfully incorporating sustainable practices into their operations; businesses that make significant achievements in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment. This event is sponsored by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
For more information visit www.smsqa.com
