DATE:   April 25, 2006
CONTACT: Kay Sommers, Natural Resource Specialist III
PHONE: 954-519-1257

Local Companies Honored for Environmentally Friendly Business Practices

The Broward County Environmental Protection Department has selected several local businesses to honor with Emerald Awards. The awards recognize environmentally responsible businesses in Broward County that have displayed exceptional efforts to protect the environment.

The voluntary program recognizes businesses in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other “green” strategies that reduce pollution and waste. Both large and small businesses are eligible to receive an award in each category. One business is also honored with the title “Environmental Business of the Year,” which will be announced at the ceremony.

Robin Pearl - President, N2Revolution, Inc. makers of the PurigeN98 Nitrogen Air System
for tires Receives Emerald Award

This year’s winning businesses are:

·         Pollution Prevention: Hazardous Waste Reduction: OXXO Care Cleaners (small business); Hollywood Woodwork, Inc. (large business);

·         Recycling: City of Deerfield Beach, Public Works (large business)

·         Innovative Procedures/Process Improvement: PurigeN 98 (small business);  Imperial Point Medical Center (large business)

·         Green Products/Practices or Programs: Hoodridge (small business); JM Family Enterprises (large business)

“These businesses are to be commended for the extraordinary efforts that they have made to protect Broward County’s environment,” said Broward County Mayor Ben Graber.   “They are committed to implementing business practices that benefit their own companies and the communities in which they are located.  Congratulations to them all.”

Receiving an Emerald Award can help companies boost business. Research has shown that a company’s environmental reputation will rival quality and brand name as criterion used by customers. Environmentally friendly business practices can help companies attract new customers, encourage repeat customers and boost employee morale.