Three Needham businesses were recognized for taking a leadership role in the stewardship of the environment at the Newton-Needham Chamber’s annual Green Business Breakfast on May 6.
The annual event was held outdoors along the banks of the Charles River, at the Newton-Marriott Hotel. Rich Davey, CEO of Boston 2024, delivered the keynote address and Mike Wankum, meteorologist at WCVB-TV Channel 5 was the master of ceremonies.
Moe Handel, chair of the Needham Board of Selectman presented The Carpet Workroom and Reclamation Center, at 39 Highland Circle, with the Needham Green Business of the Year award.
The Carpet Workroom “earned glowing reviews from the Chamber’s Environment Committee because of their holistic approach to reusing, recycling and repurposing carpeting at every phase,” Handel said. “And they impressed our judges because of the extraordinary steps they take to educate and work with their customers, suppliers, and receivers of waste material and to insure that little or nothing ends up in a landfill.”
Stacy’s Juice Bar and The Bulfinch Companies, both of Needham, were presented with Green Initiative Awards.
Stacy’s Juice Bar, located at 1257 Highland Ave, was recognized “for the many steps they’ve taken to reduce their carbon footprint, use local food products, recycle and minimize waste”. Stacy’s is a “labor of love” for owner Stacy Madison, but it’s also a business. Through constant attention to details, Stacy’s is a model for how good business decisions can also be good for the environment, human health and our local economy.”
The Bulfinch Companies which operates several faculties in the N2 Corridor, earned praise for embracing energy efficient technologies and for the wide variety of green services offered to tenants. “Embracing a sustainable mission of this magnitude only happens with a commitment from the top,” judges wrote. “That commitment is clear at Bulfinch Companies.”
Green Needham Chair Michael Greis is a member of the Chamber’s Environment Committee. The Environment Committee plans the yearly event and selects the companies to be recognized.
The event’s keynote address was given by Rich Davey, former Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and current CEO of Boston 2024. Davey described himself as an “Olympic skeptic” where he first heard of idea of bringing the Olympics to Boston, but went on to describe the ways in which he believed the games would be good for the region. Near the top of his list is the impetus the games will give for completing the much-needed improvements to our region’s transportation system.
Other speakers included George Bachrach, president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, Newton Mayor Setti Warren and Seana Gaherin, chair of the Newton-Needham Chamber and owner of the popular local restaurant Dunn Geherin’s.
