Eight area organizations, businesses recognized for sustainability efforts

(COLUMBIA, MO) - City of Columbia Mayor Brian Treece recognized eight area businesses and organizations who went above and beyond in the world of sustainability. Their achievements include adopting sustainable operating practices, finding innovative ways to conserve resources, and becoming environmental stewards to make Columbia a better place to live and do business. 

The City of Columbia established the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement award program in 2014 to recognize excellence in sustainable practices demonstrated by local businesses and organizations and to promote a culture of environmental responsibility. 

For the past five years, the City of Columbia mayor has presented the awards to honorees at a reception in downtown Columbia. This reception is a time for businesses and organizations that are all working to help Columbia reach climate action goals to come together and celebrate one another's achievements. It's also a time to network on potential collaborations for the coming years.

"In 2020, COVID-19 caused the reception, like so many other community celebrations, to not happen the way we normally do it," Treece said. "While pivoting our plans away from what we normally do, I am happy that I was able to still award eight Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement awards this year." 

Each winner will still receive a hand-crafted glass award by local glass artist Susan Taylor Glasgow and a personal note from Treece thanking them for their efforts. 

"While it's not the same as coming together in-person, I appreciate that everyone is doing their part to help Columbia be safe, healthy and devoted to the future of our community," Treece said.

There are four categories of awards and an overall Mayor's Award. The categories and 2020 honorees are listed below:

Resource Conservation

• Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity
• MFA Incorporated

Pollution Prevention

• PedNet Coalition

Environmental Stewardship

• Mid-Missouri Wild Ones
• Columbia Farmers Market

Innovative Best Practices

• Columbia First Presbyterian Church
• Aarow Building

Mayor's Award

• Windsor Street Montessori School
  
  

Videos for each honoree can be found at CoMo.gov/CityChannel/Category/Sustainability.