SmartCEO, a publication geared towards executives in the mid-Atlantic region, honored several Bethesda chief executives for their efforts to green their businesses at an awards luncheon early this month.

At the luncheon, the group handed out "ECO CEO" awards, which recognize the increasing role that eco-friendly practices and products play in the success of businesses and showcase the range of accomplishments of local executives in the green arena. 

Bethesda was well represented at the event at the Waterford in Fairfax where nominees representing 28 companies and organizations in the Washington area were present.

Also in attendance were Bethesda Green executive director Dave Feldman and communications director Dave Heffernan, along with along with Montgomery County Department of the Environment green business certification program manager Douglas Weisburger and Montgomery County Department of Economic Development business development specialist Raul Medrano.

CEO finalists were nominated in three categories – facilitators, implementers and innovators – and further divided into small, medium and large businesses.  Nominees represented a wide range of companies from construction and real estate development to green data centers, hotels, and even a green car wash and lube service.  Local universities, utilities, and professional organizations were also nominated.  SmartCEO's staff took turns reading details about each finalist as awards were announced and CEOs had a chance to say a few words about their dedication to growing an eco-friendly company.

Peter Grazzini, Bethesda resident and CEO of event company Perfect Settings won an "Innovator Award" for implementing green programs and processes at his company.  Perfect Settings supplies equipment to caterers, event planners, museums, organizations and companies for their events and celebrations.  With 200 employees, 30 trucks, and enough equipment and supplies to handle 200 or more parties on a given evening, Peter has found many ways to green his company  -- including using software that organizes deliveries efficiently to limit transportation.

A 'Go Green' category on Perfect Settings' website reveals a recycling program, important for the events industry.  Taken as a whole, it's added up significantly.  Currently going through the Green Business Certification Program, Peter said he is committed to running a green company in the D.C. area.

As Peter accepted the award he first thanked his wife, Rosalie, who is a board member of Bethesda Green.  "She made me Green," said Peter, smiling.  

Peter also talked about the money he's saved by going green. He highlighted Bethesda-based clean energy provider Clean Currents, which he credited for saving him money on his energy bills.

"I saved $30,000 in two years by switching to wind power, and I'm going to save even more than that in the next two years.  Thanks Charles," Peter said, nodding to Charles Segerman, CEO of Clean Currents.

The luncheon ended with a final award for Josh Carin, CEO of Geppetto Catering.  Josh's restaurant, Geppetto, is located in Bethesda and Geppetto Catering now services the D.C. area. "We're all winners, and let's hope for the day that we don't have these awards because everyone is making the effort," said Josh as he accepted his award.

Gepetto Catering was recognized as an innovator for their certification as a green catering company, which includes greening their building and energy use, green training for employees as well as the use of green materials in their catering operations.

For an entire list of SmartCEO's ECO CEO finalists, and a description of their focus on green and eco-friendly business check out their website or the November issue of the publication.