Sep 01, 2016 – Farm News – by Diane Sullivan
The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Announced six companies ranging from a ski resort in the Berkshires to the largest grocery chain in New England have been named winners of the inaugural Associated Industries of Massachusetts Sustainability Award. The award recognizes excellence in managing environmental stewardship, social well-being and economic prosperity.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort of Hancock; PeoplesBank of Holyoke; W.D. Cowls of North Amherst; Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc. of Sudbury; Gorton’s Seafood of Gloucester; and Stop & Shop New England, Division of Ahold USA were selected from among 33 nominations. The six companies will be honored at a series of regional celebrations throughout Massachusetts in September and October.
“These companies set the standard for using sustainability to manage their financial, social and environmental risks in a manner that ensures responsible long-term success, said Richard C. Lord, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Sustainability guarantees that the success of employers benefits our communities, our commonwealth and our fellow citizens. We congratulate our honorees and all the worthy companies that were nominated.”
Once limited to a group of niche companies, sustainability has gained widespread acceptance as global corporations such as Wal-Mart, General Electric and IBM make it part of their business and financial models.
The six honorees were selected by a committee that included the co-chairs of AIM’s Sustainability Roundtable - Johanna Jobin, Director of Global EHS and Sustainability at Biogen; and James McCabe, Sustainability Manager, Global Operations Group, Waters Corporation.
AIM initiated the Sustainability Roundtable in 2011 to provide employers the opportunity to exchange sustainability best practices and hear from experts in the field. That opportunity has attracted dozens of participants from companies such as Bose, Siemens, Coca-Cola, Boston Beer, MilliporeSigma, Ocean Spray, Analogic and Cisco.