washington business
organization ’ s Annual Aerospace Conference , also known as ADVANCE , brings together hundreds of attendees for three days of business , networking and education . During the COVID-19 pandemic , PNAA pivoted quickly , offering webinars on relevant topics for the industry and introducing virtual events such as Factory Fridays , where local companies could showcase what they do and how they do it .
other finalists :
• Amerigroup Washington Inc ., Seattle : For the last two years , Amerigroup has collaborated with the Columbia Basin Health Association and invested roughly $ 100,000 in COVID-19 vaccination clinics , protective gear and testing for rural farmworkers in the Greater Columbia region .
• Identity Clark County , Vancouver : In 2021 , the nonprofit business leaders group Identity Clark County led a “ Safe by Summer ” campaign in which area employers pledged to achieve an 80 percent COVID-19 vaccination rate among their employees .
leading environmental practices
The Leading Environmental Practices Award recognizes a Washington state business that has put a priority on environmental improvement , education or outreach to its business sector and / or community .
2022 winner : qfc , bellevue www . qfc . com
“ We are actively making decisions to reduce waste , provide fresh food and support local nonprofits that help achieve these goals .”
— QFC nomination materials
about : Quality Food Centers , better known as QFC , is a supermarket chain with approximately 60 locations in Washington and Oregon . As a subsidiary of Kroger , the nation ’ s largest grocery store chain , QFC is dedicated to building a more resilient , equitable and sustainable food system for generations to come . why they won : QFC is committed to working toward zero hunger and zero waste in its communities . The company ’ s grocery rescue program provides nutritious food to people in need while protecting the environment by diverting food waste from area landfills . Each day , local food banks and food pantries pick up donated items , including fresh produce , meat and seafood , dairy products , baked goods , and shelf-stable items , from QFC stores . In 2021 alone , QFC and Fred Meyer donated over 4.9 million pounds of food , which translated into more than 4 million meals .
other finalists :
• Advanced Nutrients / Applied Plant Science , Woodland : Advanced Nutrients / Applied Plant Science implemented a number of new environmental practices last year , including switching to a non-bleach cleaning solution , installing a new clean-in-place system , and establishing a comprehensive recycling program .
• Swire Coca-Cola : Swire Coca-Cola ’ s water-saving projects have had impressive results , with the company ’ s Bellevue manufacturing facility achieving a 1.35 water-use ratio and the company replenishing 265 % of the water used in manufacturing across its territory .
30 association of washington business