The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade launched its Eco-Business Program Jan. 19 at Monarch Kitchen and Bath in Pickering. Monarch was the first business to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment in the program and Messier-Dowty of Ajax received a Certificate of Commitment. The program is the effort of the Board's Environment Task Force, which was congratulated by, from left, Gail Lawlor of Durham Sustain Ability and Don Terry, Chair of the Board. Committee members, starting from left of Mr. Terry, are Dave Johnson, of Northstar Promotions, Neil Samson of Monarch, Barb Hodgins of the Town of Ajax, Andrea Dube-Goss of Toronto Region Conservation, Ellen McRae of Durham Sustain Ability, Gary Strange of First Durham Insurance, Melissa Foley of Monarch and Chantal Whitaker of the City of Pickering.
|
Board issues eco-challenge to members
New Eco-Business Program unveiled
The members of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade have a new tool in their workbench to use in building an environmentally friendly image.
The Board unveiled its new Eco-Business Program on Monday, Jan. 19 at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre with a lot of political clout backing it. Durham Region Chair Roger Anderson, Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan and Ajax Mayor Steve Parish each joined the launch event to praise the board for taking steps to help members identify ways to change to sustainable business practices.
Board President John G. Smith encouraged members to take the challenge and visit their website to download the Eco-Checklist developed by the Board's Environment Task Force (ETF) over the past several months. He explained that the document acts as a helpful reference guide and that the program itself should inspire members to get involved.
"We know that initiatives to conserve energy, reduce waste, and recycle materials are good for the environment – and we understand that these are sound business practices," he said. "This is why we are unveiling tools that can be used to identify some of the specific steps that establish a sustainable business environment. And this is why we are unveiling a recognition program for the businesses that embrace these ideals."
Dave Johnson, a spokesman for the ETF, described the genesis of the Ec-Checklist and the expertise of the many different volunteers involved. He went on to explain how the program's recognition certificates will be awarded.
"First, by simply filling out the checklist and examining your environmental practices, a business has earned the right to display a certificate stating they are committed to reducing their environmental footprint," he said. "The next step, once a business determines it has accomplished a high standard of compliance with the Eco-Checklist, at least 80 per cent compliance, they have earned our certificate of achievements. This celebrates the fact they made important green business decisions."
The businesses and agencies represented in the task force are
Bath Centre
, Town of
Ajax
Toronto
and Region Conservation, Veridian,
Durham Sustain Ability
Durham
Insurance.
The Board of Trade presented the first two certificates at the event, with Messier-Dowty first to receive a 'Certificate of Commitment' for completing the Eco-Checklist. Messier-Dowty President Luigi Mattia and Richard Lindsay, the company's director of facilities, health, safety and he environment accepted the certificate.
Monarch, host to the event, was the first member of the board to receive the 'Certificate of Accomplishments' which signifies they have achieved 80 per cent compliance or better in the checklist. Monarch co-owner Sharon Samson accepted the certificate.
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade expresses its appreciation to the City of Pickering for providing the necessary resources and making the launch event possible. As well, the board thanks Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre for hosting the event and supporting the Eco-Business Program.
APBOT Chair Don Terry presents Richard Lindsay of messier-Dowty, beside Messier-Dowty president Luigi Mattia, with their certificate of commitment.
|
APBOT President Don Terry presents a certificate of accomplishment to Sharon Samson, co-owner of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
|
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade expresses its appreciation to the City of Pickering for providing the necessary resources and making the launch event possible. As well, the board thanks Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre for hosting the event and supporting the Eco-Business Program.