SGIA Recognized by the U.S. EPA as a 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree

FAIRFAX, Va. — April 25, 2016 — SGIA has been named a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree. EPA recognized SGIA during a virtual recognition webinar as part of its Earth Day celebrations on April 21.

As one of seven organizations nationwide to receive this honor, SGIA is the only printing trade association to win this award.

"SGIA is committed to environmental responsibility, and SmartWay has been a great way to engage our members on the matter. Not only does the program help those in the industry reduce their carbon footprint, but it is also a great way for businesses of all sizes to save money and be more efficient with their shipping operations," says Marci Kinter, SGIA’s VP of Government and Business Information.

The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national challenge developed by EPA to acknowledge organizations that participate in SmartWay and do an exceptional job supporting the partnership’s freight sustainability goals. SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honorees have proactively initiated and executed outreach, promotional and marketing activities that raise awareness and encourage their members to address air pollution from freight activities. These affiliates serve as role models for other SmartWay affiliates and partners.

"EPA commends the Affiliate Challenge Honorees for their extraordinary level of commitment, enthusiasm and creativity in supporting our shared goals for sustainable transportation," notes Christopher Grundler, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "Their work is helping advance more sustainable systems for delivering freight, reducing its climate change impacts and improving air quality."

The challenge was open to all SmartWay Affiliates who submitted an application and supporting materials describing various activities they accomplished during the period of March 1, 2015 to March 1, 2016. Honored Affiliates represent 3% of the total affiliate membership.

As a SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree, SGIA completed activities in a variety of areas, including:

• The Sustainability Zone at the 2015 SGIA Expo, featuring a SmartWay booth
• Created and delivered email and social media campaigns to promote the SmartWay program to its membership
• Submitted an article to Sign Media Canada to outline the benefits and features of SmartWay
• Promoted SmartWay on SGIA.org

SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community
 "Specialty imaging" comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including those they’ll tap in the future. These are the imaging processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products including point-of-purchase displays, printed electronics, membrane switches, signs, advertisements, garments, containers and vehicles. Make the most of your specialty imaging business.

About SmartWay

EPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to help businesses improve the sustainability of their freight supply chains. Today, the Partnership consists of nearly 3,000 partners, representing a cross section of the freight supply chain industry. As of today, SmartWay Partners have saved over 170 million barrels of oil. SmartWay’s clean air achievements (72.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, so far) help protect the health and well-being of citizens.

Source: SGIA.