Suffolk clean businesses honored

Published 9:52 pm Thursday, May 5, 2011

Amadas Industries was one of the recipients of the 2011 Suffolk Clean Business Awards. Above, Amadas chief executive officer James C. Adams II accepted the award from members of the Clean Community Commission and city staff. From left, Suffolk litter control coordinator Hattie Lester, commission member Laverne Flythe, commission member Margaret Jones, Adams, and commission chair Kathy Russell.

Six Suffolk businesses from food distributors to Ford dealers have been honored with 2011 Suffolk Clean Business Awards.

The new program is designed to recognize local businesses that demonstrate above-average efforts in maintaining their property and contributing to the overall appearance of the community. Businesses were judged on everything from aesthetics and environmental friendliness to landscaping and the cleanliness of the restrooms.

The winners were Bennett’s Creek Farm Market, Sysco Hampton Roads, Amadas Industries, Lipton Tea, Beach Ford and BASF Corporation. The awards were given based on nominations and visits to various businesses by members of the Clean Community Commission.

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“This is only one of several initiatives the Commission has planned to ‘Keep Suffolk Beautiful’ for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,” said Hattie Lester, Suffolk’s litter control coordinator. “A clean business makes for a clean community.”

The award recipients enjoyed having their efforts recognized.

“It’s an honor,” said Jodie Matthews, operations manager at the Bennett’s Creek market. “It’s everybody that works here, not me.”

It’s no surprise that BASF received the award, having recently partnered with GPC Green Energy to construct a co-generation unit at the Suffolk plant. Once completed, the facility will burn landfill gas to produce electricity.

“This will create new green energy jobs that will help stimulate the economy in Suffolk,” said Beverly A. Nedab, human resources manager at BASF.

At Sysco, the company takes pride in keeping itself clean, said Daniel Fields, facilities manager for Sysco Hampton Roads.

“We put a lot of effort into keeping it clean for our company and employees,” Fields said.