By Lookout Staff

September 28, 2015 -- If you know a Santa Monica business that is going out of its way to be more sustainable, you can now nominate them for the 21st Annual Sustainable Quality Awards Program, City and business officials announced last week.

The awards – sponsored by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works -- honor businesses with “outstanding achievements” in the categories of sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the environment, officials said.

Excellence awards will be given to businesses with outstanding achievements in any of the three focus areas.  

“By recognizing these achievements, the Santa Monica Chamber Environmental Affairs Committee looks to educate and inspire local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and support Santa Monica as a sustainable community providing residents and visitors with a strong economy and healthy environment,” officials said.

Since 1995, 175 awards have been given to 131 businesses.

SQA nominations can be submitted by any individual on behalf of a Santa Monica area business, including the business itself. The winners will be formally honored during a special awards ceremony April 21, 2016 at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel.

“The 2016 SQA event promises to provide exciting networking opportunities and marketing benefits for event sponsors,” officials said.

In the past, winners have been an eclectic mix of businesses. Last year’s winners included a wealth management firm, a restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine with local organic ingredients from farmers markets, a beachside hotel and a local spa.(“Santa Monica Sustainable Quality Awards Announced,” March 19, 2015)

The Awards were established one year after the City Council adopted its first Sustainable City Program to ensure that Santa Monica can continue to meet its current environmental, economic and social needs.

The nomination period closes Tuesday, November 3. To nominate a business visit smsqa.com and click on “nominate.”  Follow clear prompts to submit a paperless nomination. For more information, contact Carl Hansen of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce at govaffairs@smchamber.org or at 310.393.9825 x116.