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Williamsburg Announces Green Business Challenge Honorees

(Williamsburg, VA) – Mayor Clyde Haulman announced today the seventeen businesses who took the City’s first Green Business Challenge and are leaders in making Williamsburg a greener community.  The businesses that participated range from major institutions in the City such as the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the College of William & Mary, and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance to mid- and small-sized businesses.  The honorees were recognized at the City Council Meeting November 12, 2010, in order to focus attention as the nation celebrates America Recycles Day, which falls on November 15.

The 2010 Green Business Challenge Honorees are:

Business

A Williamsburg White House Inn, Bed & Breakfast

Aberdeen Barn, Restaurant

Aromas Specialty Coffees & Gourmet Bakery, Coffeehouse/café

College of William & Mary, Higher Education Institution

Colonial Connections, Receptive Tour Company

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Non-profit

Compass Wealth Strategies, Financial Planning

Fife & Drum Inn, Bed & Breakfast

Goodyear, Auto Repair

Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, Non-profit/Membership

Retro’s, Restaurant

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Museum/Attraction

Subway High Street, Restaurant

Virginia Gazette, Newspaper print & online

Virginia Regional Ballet, Ballet/dance academy

Williamsburg Hospitality House, Hotel

Williamsburg Manor, Inc. Bed & Breakfast

The friendly challenge was issued by the City’s Green Team, who received in October a Platinum Award in the 2010 Virginia Municipal League (VML) Green Government Challenge.  The Green Team, made up of employees from all departments, wanted to continue that momentum by creating their own challenge to recognize the efforts of City Businesses in making Williamsburg a greener community.

“We’re proud of our continuing recognition as a Green Government, and we wanted to acknowledge those City businesses that dedicate their staff time and resources to reduce their carbon footprints,” said Jodi Miller, Assistant City Manager and Chair of the City’s Green Team.  “We also know there are other businesses committed to environmental sustainability, and we encourage them to participate in future challenges so we can share the good work they’re doing as well.”

In his remarks, Mayor Haulman noted not only the depth of the commitment but also the creative ways the businesses are being green, ranging from installing more efficient lighting and reducing the use of paper and printed materials to recycling and composting.  Several businesses also have Virginia Green Certification by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for promoting green tourism: Aberdeen Barn & Williamsburg Hospitality House (the first  restaurant and hotel certified in the City); A Williamsburg White House Inn; Colonial Williamsburg hotels and restaurants; Fife and Drum Inn; Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance; and Williamsburg Manor.

The Green Team researched other challenges across the country to model some best practices and designed a comprehensive but user-friendly application. The Challenge required businesses to report at least 12 activities they’re currently doing in any or all of the following areas:

• Waste Reduction
• Water Conservation
• Energy Conservation
• Transportation
• Recycling
• General/Staff Education

Honorees receive recognition on the City’s website and window clings to show they’re a Williamsburg Green Business.

Information about the challenge and the businesses that met the challenge – including examples of their green activities — is available at http://www.williamsburgva.gov/greenchallenge2010

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