Six organizations earned blue ribbons for their outstanding green business practises at the first-ever Abbotsford Environmental Leadership Awards held at the Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre on Thursday night.

But each of the 22 nominees, which ranged from a national food processing business to a man who makes birdhouse kits from recycled lumber, were recognized as remarkable leaders for their innovative eco-friendly and sustainable practises.

The inaugural event drew more than 160 guests, more than the organizing host, the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club, had anticipated.

“We didn’t know what to expect at first. We printed 150 tickets, but because of the interest, we had to print more,” said Bert van Dalfsen, the club’s chairman for the AELA organizing committee.

“It was awesome. We feel really good about it.”

Neil James, the president of Ralph’s Recycled Autoparts and the chairman of the BC Auto Recyclers Association, was humbled when his company was awarded the Green Leader category.

“It was quite an honour for us, especially being up against those other nominees. It feels pretty special,” James said.

James began lobbying for a code of practice for his industry back in 1993, when he pressed the province to bring in legislation to require B.C. auto wreckers to capture waste oils and undertake other green practises.

Then in 2000, the City of Abbotsford, along with the support of its former environmental director Peter Andzans, became the first municipality in B.C. to adopt James’ initiative.

“We led the country. From here it spread to Ontario, then to a national code of practice (for auto recyclers),” said James. Now auto wreckers in the U.S. are starting to follow Canada’s standards, he added.

In his address, Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman noted the nominees’ efforts show that economic success and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.

“Being stewards of the environment and being competitive – as businesses, as provinces, as a country – go hand in hand,” he said.

Banman announced that the city, too, will continue to build on its own environmental stewardship with the development of a sustainability strategy this year that will include a Green Energy Plan, a Green Community Plan and a Green Economy Study.

In his keynote address, Abbotsford environmentalist John Vissers praised the business and non-profit groups at the “good news” event for being environmental activists who meet today’s challenges head-on.

“You nominees are the hope we need to give us the confidence to follow your examples. You take risks, build business plans, lobby for support, and with determination and conviction, you move us all a little closer toward a sustainable future,” Vissers said.

Among the award categories, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market took the Agri-links (local food) Award for providing residents with opportunities to display, sell and purchase local fresh and processed foods, all in an engaging outdoor market setting.

The Energy Saver Award went to the Abbotsford School District for its comprehensive, district-wide energy reduction strategy that includes alternative energy pilot programs, conservation and educational initiatives involving students and staff.

BARR Plastics Inc. took the Water Saver Award recipient for their own water conservation efforts, and for providing rainwater harvesting expertise and products to local enterprises. BARR Plastics helped fellow nominee the City of Abbotsford to harvest rainwater for watering city gardens, and the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre to become the first professional level ice arena to use rainwater in making its indoor ice.

Capt’n Crunch Auto Wrecking Ltd. earned the Green Product or Service Award for the sheer scope and diversity of the services they provide for homeowners and businesses, and for their high standards in their auto-wrecking and recycling services.

Vedder Transportation Group earned the Green Project Award for converting its 50-truck fleet to liquified natural gas from diesel fuel, thus reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 3,826 tons a year – equivalent to taking 750 passenger cars off the road. The company also recognized for its influence on the region’s transport sector, proving that environmental protection can and the bottom line do go hand in hand.