Lookout Staff

March 28, 2012 -- An interior design firm, two hotels, a restaurant, a health spa and a media foundation are the final nominees for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce's 2012 Sustainable Quality Awards, which will "shine a light on the entertainment industry," chamber officials said.

"Green Messaging: How to Change Consumer Behavior" will be the theme of this year's awards, co-hosted with Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment.

The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is partnering with this year's awards "to highlight the power of the entertainment industry and the media to educate the public on environmental issues, as well as to motivate others to embrace a sustainable lifestyle," chamber officials said in a statement Tuesday.

"This is an exciting time for the entertainment industry as many leading companies such as Yahoo, and MTV Networks understand the importance of incorporating sustainability into their everyday operations, as well as into their media outreach," said Chamber President Laurel Rosen.

"At this year's event, we have the opportunity to showcase how the entertainment industry makes a difference in our community," Rosen said.

This year's luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Santa Monica on May 2nd.

Sarah Backhouse, TV host, speaker and sustainability expert, will emcee the event as well as moderate a panel composed of former SQA winners, and EMA's president, Debbie Levin.

The following are this year's final nominees:

• Bridgid Coulter Design -- A residential and commercial interior design firm specializing in full service residential, boutique hospitality and interior design consultation.
• Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - A Santa Monica luxury hotel committed to minimizing its impact on the environment through their signature Green Partnership program.
• FIG Restaurant - An upscale French seasonal bistro with an emphasis on organically grown and locally sourced ingredients.
• Healthy Spot - A full-service dog care company and store that features premium products and services.
• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel - A luxury, green certified, Santa Monica beachfront resort with a strong desire to protect the planet.
• Media Policy Center - A media foundation dedicated to building better communities through empowering productions and localized outreach.

Created in 1995, the Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) honor businesses in Santa Monica that have made significant achievements in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the natural environment.

The Sustainable Quality Awards Grand Prize is awarded for combined excellence in the three areas. Excellence awards will also be given to businesses in any one of the three areas.

"By recognizing local businesses that have thrived through the adoption of more sustainable practices, the Sustainable Quality Awards hope to inspire other companies and individuals to adopt their own environmental measures to help conserve our natural resources," chamber officials said.

Pre-paid tickets for the May 2 event at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel are $55 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members until April 24. To reserve tickets call 310.393.9825.  Tickets can also be purchased at smchamber.com/SQA.