2008 Green Business winners announced

By Jamie B. Johannsen
Director of Marketing & Community Relations
Winnebago County Forest Preserve District
The Winnebago County Green Business program proudly announced four winners of awards for sustainable business practices May 29 to an amazing turnout at the Rockford Park District’s Webbs Norman Center.
Out of 44 nominees, almost all of whom set up displays in the soaring length of the Webbs Norman Center’s lobby, the Winners were: for large business J.L. Clark; and for small to medium business, Choices Natural Market; for large public agency, Freedom Field; for small to medium public agency, Zion Development Corporation.
The awards, made from sections of the famous Sinnissippi Park oak tree felled in a 2003 storm, were presented by Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey and Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott H. Christiansen, and donated by YouthBuild Rockford/Salvage II.
Impressed by the first-year response, the WCGB Steering Committee received 44 nominations representing a diverse spectrum of organizations, small businesses and large manufacturers. Thirty-five of the nominated organizations participated in the evening’s green business expo with displays and information highlighting their green practices and products, plus the displays by the event’s sponsors and guests.
The Green Communities Coalition’s Director of Communications Allen Penticoff said, “I was thrilled at the success of the event and the enthusiasm of the agencies and business, as well as the many people that were there. I believe the event exceeded everyone’s expectations and shows that Green Business is growing and profitable in Winnebago County. We are hoping that this year’s nominees will show leadership to the rest of the community in going Green.”
Dr. Bob Vogl, president of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association addressed the assembled guests on Developing a Sustainable Community. “Winnebago County is on its way toward a clean energy future,” Vogl proclaimed.
Mayor Morrissey noted the national energy crisis and that green efforts had to be made now. He also noted some major upcoming announcements as to new policies for city’s sustainability efforts.
Chairman Christiansen was completely enthralled that the county’s Freedom Field project won and at the response of the community for the event.
In the parking spaces adjacent to the Webbs Norman Center, a variety of green vehicles were on display. Several local agencies and individuals loaned their energy efficient and alternative energy cars, trucks and mowers for the educational exhibit. The Committee wishes to thank the Rockford Park District, ComEd, Anderson Toyota, Fran Kral, and Lou Bachrodt. Private citizens also loaned their vehicles for the event, including a Toyota Prius hybrid from Susan Petty, a Mercedes Smart Car from Kelly Epperson, and a recumbent bicycle from Emmanual Lutheran’s Pastor, Rev. James A. Roberts.
The awards presentation and expo are expected to become an annual event.
Winners of the 2008 Winnebago County Green Business Awards
Large Business Category: J. L. Clark. A company that represents metal decorating and metal fabrication, J. L. Clark has chosen to approach “going green” in two ways: by helping direct improvement of manufacturing processes, and by involving their employees in the development process. Every element of the criteria was included in their nomination. The company has a cross-functional Green / Sustainability team that meets on a regular basis and works collaboratively with their Pennsylvania plant. The company also works closely with their vendors and suppliers to discover additional new ideas. Their promotion of green/sustainable solutions has led to their direct impact on “sustainability” becoming, for the first time, a topic at this year’s International Metal Decoration Association Convention to be held in Chicago.
Small–Medium Business Category: Choices Natural Market. In this food purveying business, the owners believe “it’s ALL about choices”. When starting the business, they chose to think about biodegradable packaging; the elimination of plastic bags; and recycling (nearly 16 tons since opening in July 2005), which is only a partial list of the accomplishments. Choices Natural Market allows their consumers to drive the market by providing a place where nearly everything sold is examined to discover its environmental friendliness. Food products offered are grown or manufactured within 300 miles and not by factory farms. Other items are chosen for sale based on their eco-content. Choices Market brings the principles together with a newsletter offering environmental education and the statement that “they are committed to building a sustainable future.”
Large Agency Category: Freedom Field Renewable Energy Project. The goal of FFRE, led by Winnebago County officials and industry participants, is a broader vision that will spur economic development in our region. A solar thermal subsystem will provide the heating and cooling of the renewable energy technology center that will enable development and commercialization of renewable energy components and systems. In 2009, the project will include the installation of a biomass-to-energy subsystem, expected to provide an additional 120,000 BTU/hour of usable heat captured from the energy conversion process. The previously vacant building will be renovated applying green building design concepts throughout. Education and public outreach are key dimensions of the project.
Small - Medium Agency Category: Zion Development Corporation. One can say a great deal about this organization nominated by one of their suppliers. They are highlighted because of their commitment to renovating existing structures while conserving all possible materials through re-use, use of new materials made from recycled materials, and selection of equipment that uses conservation principles. Appliances and products used in their completions are purchased as close as possible to the sites to diminish transportation costs. The projects of the organization are living and working spaces including Grand Apartments, Lantow Lofts and Longwood Plaza. The circle is completed by Lantow Lofts, where an extensive data capturing and monitoring display system will enable the Lofts to become a “green” teaching tool.
All four of these companies have a “green” goal, have involved their employees and are committed to helping provide education to others about what they are doing.
The Nominees
The 2008 Winnebago County Green Business Nominees are: Affiliated Surgeons of Rockford; Belles Firm of Architecture; Burpee Museum of Natural History; Choices Natural Market; City of Rockford, J.I. Case Building Demolition; Coronado Performing Arts Center; Davig’s Custom Cleaners; Eclipse, Inc.; Fat Wallet.com; Forest City Gear; Freedom Field; Golan Liberman Contemporary Art Gallery; GreenTone; GreenWorks; Guilford High School; Rockford Chamber of Commerce; Gunite Corporation; Healing Scents; Home Environment Center; Integrated Energy Works; J. L. Clark; Just Goods; Members Alliance Credit Union; Minglewood, Morrissey Realty Group; Natural Land Institute; Olson Ecological Solutions; Pranayama Yoga Studio; Road Ranger; Rock Valley College; Rockford Yacht Club; Skyward Promotions; Solergy Alternative Energy Solutions; Specialty Screw; SwedishAmerican Healthcare System; The Happy Kingdom; The Rock River Times; Trekk Cross-Media; Unitarian Universalist Church; Wild Birds Unlimited; Willows Cleaning; Winnebago Energy Center; William Charles, Ltd.; Womanspace and Zion Development Corporation.
Congratulations to all, once again, on the very well-deserved recognition by the Winnebago County Green Business program. The steering committee was thrilled with the quality and quantity of nominations submitted, and with the enthusiastic media and public response to this new program. Businesses operating sustainably is obviously an idea whose time has come! Everyone nominated should be proud to be leaders of our local emerging green economy.
Winnebago County Green Business
WCGB is a new grass-roots initiative created to celebrate and recognize “Who’s Going Green” in the Winnebago County economic community. WCGB is a partnership of environmental agencies, professional associates, and the concerned public. They are working together to recognize and assist businesses that operate in an environmentally-friendly manner. WCGB steering committee member Kerry Knodle explains, “Many businesses have taken steps to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations and have improved their performance, but until now, customers had no way of recognizing which businesses were going Green.
One of the primary outcomes of the new WCGB initiative will be the creation of a Green Business Inventory. This listing will be compiled from information submitted by businesses that complete an application detailing the environmentally-friendly practices, strategies and technologies they have implemented. Those businesses that meet established criteria will receive WCGB certification and be included in the WCGB online inventory. A major goal of WCGB is to develop this listing into a comprehensive WCGB Web site at www.winncogreenbiz.org. This will provide recognition for participating businesses as well as incentives, assistance and resources for businesses wanting to join the growing number of business and community leaders improving the local economy, environment and everyone’s quality of life.
The Steering Committee of the Winnebago County Green Business program is: Jamie Johannsen, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District; Mike Kearney, Green Communities Coalition; Kerry Knodle, Comprehensive Community Services/YouthBuild Rockford; Allen Penticoff, Green Communities Coalition; Jan Herbert, Rockford Park District; Frank Schier, The Rock River Times; and Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl, Illinois Renewable Energy Association.
Awards Presentation and Expo Sponsors
The steering committee gives great thanks to all the organization that joined together for the first time to sponsor the event: ComEd, Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild, Four Rivers Environmental Coalition, Green Communities Coalition, Illinois Renewable Energy Association, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, River District, Rockford Park District and Winnebago County Forest Preserve District.
Delicious and plentiful food was donated by the following River District restaurants: The Irish Rose, Serrano’s Mexican Kitchen, Brio and The King’s Table. Massbach Ridge Winery provided a fine wine tasting. Coffee, tea and additional food was provided by Just Goods. Water and dispenser were provided by Kinetico Water. Biodegradable and Recycled plates, cups, napkins and forks donated were provided by: Corporate Express-Sustainable Earth Products-www.CorporateExpress.com. Balloons and business stickers were provided by Skyward Productions.
The Rock River Times, Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild and Minglewood provided the following great volunteers: William Chatman, Sean Farr, Patrick Hampton, Angela Jones, Deb York, Mrs. Kim, Jody Marshall, Susan Petty and Karen Elyea.
Thanks to Brain Leaf, executive development director of Severson Dells, as the consummate master of ceremonies.
The Rockford Park District provided expert and gracious staff for the event. Board Member Jack Armstrong gave a fine introduction and set the tone for the evening. Hard working Jan Lockwood and John Peterson were very gracious and efficient. The steering committee could not ask for a better hosts.
Editor & Publisher Frank Schier contributed to this article.