2006 Small Business Awards sponsored by: State Small Business Ombudsman/Small Business Assistance Programs (SBO/SBAPs) National SBO/SBAP Steering Committee National Compliance Advisory Panel

Trade Association Environmental Leadership Award Nomination Questions 

The nominator should address the following points, where applicable, in the body of the summary:

1. Did the trade association work with a local, state/territorial, or national SBAP to improve environmental compliance?  Explain how.
    

2. What activities has the trade association conducted in moving its sector toward better environmental performance and regulatory compliance?  Please describe.
    

3. What activities has the trade association undertaken to assist its members to go "above and beyond the requirements of the law or regulation" to reduce environmental impacts?  What were the timeframes:  one-time, periodic, or ongoing?  Please describe.
    

4. What steps has the trade association taken to reach out beyond its own membership to the industry sector 'at large' to assist businesses with compliance, pollution prevention, or environmental management systems?  Please describe.
    

5. Has the trade association worked with a legislative body, a government entity or other organization to create an environmental program that is functional in the business workplace?  What is the name(s) of the entities with which the association worked?  What program(s) was created, what does it do, and has it been implemented?  Have environmental and/or economic benefits been quantified?
    

6. Does the association encourage and train members to utilize some form of environmental management system?  If yes, what is the name of that system and how are members trained?
    

7. Does the association encourage members to design their products or services with the environment in mind?  If yes, please describe how (e.g., utilize post-consumer materials, build energy efficient machine/structures, purchase from environmentally conscious vendors or contractors).
    

8. Has the association done something innovative to help members improve their environmental performance (e.g., develop a new type of training program or establish a purchasing network for members to buy less toxic materials)?  Can the activity be duplicated by others in the industry?  Please explain.
    

9. Has the trade association assisted or encouraged members to conduct assessments or case studies quantifying the environmental and economic benefits of environmentally friendly business practices?  Please explain and provide examples of economic savings and pollution prevention information generated.