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To download an enrollment form, CLICK HERE.
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| Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. | Fox Construction |
Sustainability might be thought of in its most simplistic form as harmonizing human activities with natural systems while keeping longevity in mind. Sustainable business practices encompass the inter-relationship of three key components, 1) financial success, 2) social responsibility, and 3) proactive environmental management, attempting to maximize the short and long term well being of each. The objective of this new program is really an educational one. The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association with assistance from their consultant, Environmental Solutions Unltd, will be providing educational resources, tools, and personalized assistance for businesses in the Yampa Valley to learn about common sense business practices that help attain sustainability. The program is strictly voluntary, there are no regulatory components. Through the Chamber's Sustainable Steamboat Business Program, member businesses can enroll, for a small fee, in a certification program which offers community-wide recognition as well as access to resources to help them implement, measure, and continually improve their environmentally sustainable practices. The Chamber program will also coordinate with the City of Steamboat Springs and its Sustainability Management Plan. The Steamboat Springs Chamber will launch this new program in February 2007 as part of its 2007 Centennial Celebration. Member businesses will have the opportunity to take a leadership role by participating. They will learn about how to identify and implement common sense practices to become more sustainable including the use of green products, clean energy, pollution reduction and waste minimization and reuse techniques, resource conservation, and better overall design of the built environment. Other benefits to the business include potential cost savings associated with the practices, as well as recognition in the community and subsequent consumer preference. Enrolling businesses will receive a package of introductory materials and will be contacted by the Chamber's consultant on the project, Environmental Solutions. A meeting will be arranged to go over the process of achieving certification. The business can either perform a self assessment or can receive professional assistance in working through a checklist of common sense practices that might be applicable to them. They will also be offered the option of obtaining a written report summarizing their current efforts and those that might be considered for the future. Measuring success and goal setting components can also be included if desired by the business. Once certification is achieved, the business will receive a framed certificate and emblems to display at their business location. The business will be granted permission to use the logo, and a variety of other recognition programs designed by the Chamber will notify the community and consumers of the business' achievement. It is important to note that the process will be designed for simplicity, will be easy to follow, and easy to implement. Tools and personalized assistance will be provided along the way. Any type of business, school, or organization can apply and goals and programs will be tailored to the specific business. Additional advice and services can be obtained for additional costs if desired by the business. A representative appointed by the participating business will be asked to schedule a "walkthrough" visit, during which a general review of pertinent current sustainable business practices will be undertaken. A point system adopted by the Chamber will be applied taking into consideration each environmentally sustainable business practice that the business utilizes or plans to undertake. Examples of practices that would receive points are listed below: Adopting or committing to sustainability in the business mission statement Encouraging managers and employees to support the program Helping spread the word by networking with other businesses relative to sustainability Physical Plant - Facilities: Energy Conservation Utilization of "Built Green" materials or concepts in building construction Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Recycling/Reuse of materials Elimination or reduction of discharges Water conservation practices Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
The details of the program, including fees, the point system, renewal procedures, and so forth, are currently being developed by a Steering Committee, comprised of business folks, Chamber staff, interested persons and the consultant, and will be available shortly. Congratulations to the following businesses who have received Sustainable Steamboat Certification! GOLD Certification
Marabou
BAP and Big Agnes
Moots Cycles
J.K. Wall Designers
Buyer's Resource Real Estate
Black Tie Ski Rentals
Smartwool
International Erosion Control Association
bistro c.v.
Moving Mountains Chalets
Letson Enterprises
Drexel Barrell & Co.
Kelly & Stone Architects
Prudential Steamboat Realty
Fox Construction
Moving Mountains, Inc.
Horizons
Colorado Group Realty
Big House Burgers
Postnet Silver Certification
Images of Nature
Air Quality Systems
Bronze Certification
Pet Kare Clinic The following businesses are on their way to achieving certification:
City of Steamboat Springs
Drahota Construction Co.
Cellar Liquors Downtown
Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association
Tall Tulips Flower Shop
Horizons
Shady Lady Interiors
Habitat Construction
Resortquest
The Resort Group
Computer Cures
Life Essentials Wellness Spa
Colorado Group Realty
Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
Cartridge World
Rex's American Grill & Bar
Simply Steamboat
Steamboat Village Brokers
Mazzola's
Twentymile Coal Company
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sandy Evans Hall, Executive Vice President
Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Assn.
970.879.0882 Lyn Halliday, President
Environmental Solutions Unltd, LLC
Ph. 970.879.6323
Cell 970.846.0129
lhalliday@springsips.com
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