[News Release issued jointly by the City of Olympia and the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce]

(Olympia, WA) Local businesses were recognized for their participation in the Thurston Green Business Program today at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Forum Luncheon at St. Martins University. The purpose of the program is to recognize local businesses for their sustainability efforts.

Three businesses were given special recognition for their leading efforts in the large, medium and small business categories. They are Providence St. Peter Hospital, Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, and Premiere Salon & Spa.

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The Thurston Green Business Program is sponsored by the City of Olympia through a contract with the Thurston County Chamber. This is the first year of the program and it is open to any business in Thurston County. Businesses filled out an on-line application and survey indicating what they are doing in the areas of green building, waste reduction & recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, transportation, pollution prevention and buying & selling green products.

“The Chamber is very excited about the new program and the partnership between the Chamber and the City of Olympia, and also that it has been so successful in its first year,” says Thurston County Chamber President David Schaffert.

All thirty-five businesses that applied qualified for recognition as Thurston Green Businesses, which means they get a window sticker for their business location and permission to use the Green Business logo on any of their promotional materials. Special recognition was awarded based on a point system.

“We were thrilled so many businesses qualified,” says Olympia Councilmember Karen Messmer. “That says a lot about our local businesses’ commitment to sustainability. Businesses of all sizes and types applied, showing that any business can participate in helping to make our community more sustainable.”

The partnership hopes to grow the program in future years. In 2007, the Olympia City Council initiated the program with $15,500 of one-time goal money. The hope is that in future years other partners in Thurston County will join and contribute so that local businesses can continue to be recognized as leaders in sustainability.

Released by:
Amy Buckler, Management Assistant, City of Olympia
(360) 753-8231, abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us

David Schaffert, President, Thurston County Chamber
(360) 357-3362, dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com