Mohawk Looking for Greenworks Dealer of Year

Dalton, GA, Sept. 22, 2008—Mohawk Industries is adding another element to its GreenWorks initiative for environmental responsibility and sustainability. Mohawk is taking nominations for its first GreenWorks Dealer of the Year Award.

The contest is open to any floorcovering dealer whose dealership works toward sustainability. The award is based on three key criteria:
• Economic Responsibility. Without a strong financial footing and growth, no dealer can continue to operate and support the overall community with jobs and economic stability.
• Social Commitment. When communities thrive, businesses thrive. The best retailers are active within and making an impact on their communities.
• Environmental Initiative. Every dealer should strive to conserve resources, reduce waste and support environmentally-friendly products.

“Understanding sustainability is first. It isn’t just recycling or reusing. Rather, it’s achieving balance in a community’s economic, social, and environmental components—like a three-legged stool,” said Jenny Cross, Mohawk’s Residential senior sustainability manager. “All three legs have to be equal to provide the proper support.”

In addition to the award itself, the GreenWorks Dealer of the Year will be presented with $5,000 by Mohawk to donate to a sustainable cause, or use for another sustainably based effort of his or her choice. Honorable mentions (up to 5) will be given $1000 for the sustainable cause or effort of their choice.

Cross said that floorcovering industry members can nominate any dealer whom they feel practices true sustainability, and that dealers may nominate themselves.

“Many dealers I’ve talked to have had recycling programs going for years, covering carpet cushion, removed carpet, cardboard, bottles, and other materials,” she said.

A panel of three independent sustainable professionals will judge the contest. They are:
• Sydney G. Roberts is the home services program manager at Southface Energy Institute, an Atlanta-based green building consulting organization that promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance.
• David Cross, a founder and managing partner of Abeo Partners, a firm focused on providing strategies and solutions that support lasting behavior change in areas including sustainability and health & wellness.
• Karen Raymer, an interior designer and founder of Waldenour, an ecodesign and consulting firm that counsels a variety of clients on the value and necessity of sustainability in business.

Nominations are being taken through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced in late November. Nomination forms are available at mohawktoday.com.