Flagstaff Green Business of the Year Award: Celebrating Sustainability in the Local Business Community
Reflecting the Flagstaff business community’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the Chamber introduced the Flagstaff Green Business Award in 2022. This award recognizes the sustainable efforts of local businesses and non-profits, highlighting their commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment. As the award evolves, it continues to honor those leading the charge in sustainability, fostering a culture of responsibility and eco-consciousness within our community.
2024 Award Winner: Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
The 2024 Flagstaff Green Business Award was presented to Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, a pioneer in sustainability. The company has seamlessly embedded sustainable practices into every aspect of its business model, ensuring that their environmental impact is minimized. From retrofitting operations for energy efficiency to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies like the Regenerative Electric Locomotive system, which recharges batteries from the dynamic braking systems already used on their locomotives, Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel exemplifies innovation in sustainability.
Past Winners: Recognizing Local Leaders in Sustainability
The inaugural 2022 award went to Mother Road Brewing Company, celebrated for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Notable for its carbon recapture brewing process and its commitment to the Arizona Game and Fish Conserve and Protect program, Mother Road Brewing Company also stands out as a member of Arizona Forward, an organization dedicated to driving sustainable change in the state.
As awareness of the Flagstaff Green Business Award grew, the Chamber expanded the recognition into two categories: large and small businesses, allowing a wider range of local businesses to be celebrated for their sustainable efforts.
In 2023, Arizona Snowbowl received the award in the large business category. Known for its leadership in using sustainable ingredients, composting food waste, and donating excess food to local businesses, Arizona Snowbowl also made history as the first business to complete and earn the Chamber Green Business Certification in 2022. Their use of biodegradable products for to-go food and drinks is just one of the many ways they are setting the standard for environmental responsibility.
The 2023 small business award was presented to Quality Connections (QC), recognized for its long-standing commitment to reducing e-waste in the community. QC’s efforts include the collection and recycling of toner cartridges, computer towers, flat-screen monitors, and other everyday electronic items that are typically difficult to recycle. Through their partnerships with local businesses and organizations, QC has helped extend the lifespan of electronic products, keeping valuable materials out of landfills. Items that cannot be recycled locally are sent to the WesTech e-waste recycling center in Phoenix, ensuring responsible disposal.
Looking to the Future: Nominations Now Open
The 2024 edition of the Flagstaff Green Business Award saw an increase in nominees, with submissions from prominent businesses such as Nackard Pepsi, Forest Highlands, and Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel. As we look ahead, we encourage businesses and non-profits in our community to continue to innovate and share their sustainability efforts.
Nominations for the Flagstaff Green Business Award are now open for 2025. If your business or organization is leading the way in sustainability, we invite you to submit your nomination for this important and prestigious award. Help us recognize and celebrate those businesses that are making a lasting impact on our environment and community.
To submit your nomination, click the link below: https://www.flagstaffchamber.com/green-business-award/
The Flagstaff Green Business of the Year is sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union