Greenest Office Honors Awarded 
By Rob Keys - 7/27/2009

The prevailing message at the second annual Greenest Office awards presentation was clear from the get-go.

 "'Green' isn't a fad, and it isn't just about short-term benefits," said CaseStack spokeswoman Liz Abrams, who delivered opening comments and also serves as communications director for Green Valley Network, a non-profit partnership that promotes sustainability technology.

"Sustainability is about optimizing resource allocation and leaving the next generation ahead of where ours started."

Stitt Energy Systems Inc. of Rogers took the overall Greenest Office honor after a panel of judges reviewed applications gathered by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. Other winners were WACO Title Co. of Lowell, Courtyard by Marriott of Fayetteville, Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale and Hanesbrands Inc. of Bentonville.

The event was presented by Grubb & Ellis, Solomon Partners and held at Bentonville Plaza. The event was held July 14 and about 100 people attended and listened to a presentation by featured speaker Beth Edinger.

Edinger, business director of sustainability for 3M Co., said green practices make sense on multiple levels.

"Being a good steward of the environment and being a profitable business go hand-in-hand," she said.

3M, founded in 1902 and currently present in more than 200 countries, founded its Environmental Program in 1970. Edinger said the company's commitment to promoting sustainability is as strong now as it was then.

"It's here to stay," Edinger said. "It's got to be."