Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, presents the 2013 Sustainable Quality Award Grand Prize to Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Misti Kerns at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

The Sustainable Quality Awards Program was created and implemented to recognize businesses and organizations which implement sustainable practices in the natural and built environments, social responsibility and economic development.

"Since the launch of the Sustainable Quality Awards 18 years ago, we have recognized more than 100 local businesses - that is quite an awesome achievement! The SQA program allows us to applaud these businesses and highlight how they make a difference in our local community," says Shannon Parry, assistant director for the Office of Sustainability and the Environment for the City of  Santa Monica.

The number of applicants for the 18th annual Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) reached a new record at 19 finalists.

"We are thrilled to honor businesses that have thrived through the adoption of more sustainable practices," said Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. "It is our hope that the Sustainable Quality Awards inspire other businesses and individuals to adopt their own environmental measures to help conserve our natural resources here in Santa Monica."

2013 SQA Grand Prize Winners

Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau - works to maximize the visitor experience, increase tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination.

Tiato & An Catering - healthy, delicious, and eco-chic dining and catering experience that enhances lifestyle and well-being.

yogitoes - a creative yoga products company making sustainable yoga tools by integrating need with design.

Excellence Award - Economic Development

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - a marine-education center providing interactive experience and public education to inspire stewardship of the environment and marine conservation.

Payroll Centric™ - a supplier of integrated workforce management solutions, primarily payroll, designed to increase productivity, improve employee retention and reduce expenses.

Excellence Award - Social Responsibility

Central Parking - a professional parking management firm operating nation-wide in structures, open lots and pay-by space lots.

HGA Architects and Engineers - an integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm.

Payroll Centric™- a supplier of integrated workforce management solutions, primarily payroll, designed to increase productivity, improve employee retention and reduce expenses.

Excellence Award - Stewardship of the Natural Environment

The Ambrose - the Ambrose offers a touch of holistic hospitality by blending upscale tranquility with affordable luxury and low impact hotel practices.

Bru's Wiffle - A Waffle Joint - a cozy, bright yellow Waffle Joint where everything is made from scratch, using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium- a marine-education center providing interactive experience and public education to inspire stewardship of the environment and marine conservation.

HGA Architects and Engineers - an integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm.

Hostelling International - LA / Santa Monica - an eco-friendly, high-end hostel experience two blocks from the beach.

Santa Monica Place - a modern, open-air shopping destination featuring Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and a contemporary mix of shops and visionary restaurants.

Three Squares Inc. - a globally recognized environmental consulting firm. The Women in Green Forum, highlighting women's impact on the environmental arena, is TSI's flagship conference.

The Sustainable Quality Awards is  a collaboration between the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica.