New regional awards program raises the bar for business Published: December 14, 2009 by Beth Ingalls
Keep Sierra Green Businesses of 2009 Placer County Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge Tahoe Mountain Sports Tahoe Adventure Company Integrated Environmental Restoration Services
Incline Village Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Casino Law Office of Lara Pearson EV Village The Potlatch Soli Real Estate The Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences
Nevada County GreenSmart Truckee's Cedar House Sport Hotel was the setting for the first annual Keep the Sierra Green (KSG) Exemplary Business Awards for 2009. Born out of a shared vision and collaborative partnership between Truckee's Recycling Coordinator Nichole Dorr and Incline Village General Improvement District's (IVGID) Resource Conservationist Madonna Dunbar, KSG recognizes businesses focused on ecological and economic practices in the north central Sierra and foothills. The program has grown into a partnership between the Town of Truckee, IVGID, Nevada County Recycles, Placer County, the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and the Sierra Green Building Association.
Any business located within the town of Truckee, eastern Placer County, Nevada County, Incline Village or Crystal Bay may participate in the regional program, but the annual award goes only to businesses that score highest on an eight-page application. The form is no walk in the park. To qualify as a Keep Sierra Green business, applicants are required to recycle, develop energy, pollution and water conservation programs, define how company purchasing practices are eco-minded, create employee awareness procedures, and complete energy and waste audits. The form also awards points for voluntary programs as well.
Lynne Cody, Nevada County recycling technician, opened up the ceremony by declaring, "We want to set the bar really high and all of you are the first to be recognized...you are the true green leaders in your communities."
As attendees noshed and tension built among the applicants awaiting the announcements, Eli Meyer, president of the Sierra Green Building Association, reminded the crowd that the Keep the Sierra Green program is "not about greenwashing it's about setting a benchmark for people in the community." 'Greenwashing' occurs when companies pose as friends of the environment, but their actual practices and products don't match up to their claims. Kym Fabel, manager of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce added, "All kinds of people and businesses are looking to be green. Green is big."
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
"Sophia was our guide and we absolutely loved the experience! She was kind, knowledgeable, friendly and obviously skilled with a kayak. She also snapped this great photo of our group." -Ashley B.
"Took a stand up paddle board tour. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Tons of interesting information about Lake Tahoe history. Provided lunch was as good as I've had on any guided trip. We had a great time and would go again. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a guided leisurely afternoon paddle." Debbie V.
"This was our first time snowshoeing. Jill was very patient with us, friendly, and knowledgeable. She made a big difference in our enjoyment of the tour. The scenery was beautiful, especially the views of Donner Lake." -Ron P.
All people involved had a great time. Your guides are awesome also. I was going to call you about the pictures so I am glad you have the disc. Thanks again! -Doug, Levins Auto
-- Doug, Levins Auto
"We had the best time exploring Lake Tahoe with our guide, Will! He was super knowledgeable about the lake, surrounding geography, and local history. Getting to experience the lake by kayak was a no brainer for us. Highly recommend Tahoe Adventure Company. You won't regret it!" -Caitlin W.
-- Caitlin W.
"My daughter and I had a great time on our kayak tour! Eric was our guide and was very patient and kind to my daughter, who had a rough start, and he ended up towing her at one point. After we reached our halfway mark and stopped for a break, he encouraged her to try again for the way back and she improved greatly and enjoyed herself. We both agreed it was one of our favorite parts of our trip to Tahoe." -Mindy E.