California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented King's Hawaiian Bakery with the 2009 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for its Green Vision sustainability program, a company-wide initiative developed to impact the environment through financially sound alternatives and eco-friendly solutions, through nearly every component of its operations.
GEELA is the California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. The award program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California's resources, protecting and enhancing the environment and building public-private partnerships.
“As a family-owned company devoted to conveying the aloha spirit in every facet of its business, King's Hawaiian is incredibly honored to receive this recognition. Every component of our sustainability efforts is meant to be both a tribute to our island heritage and a commitment to our valued consumers, for which we want to make a positive impact on the environment for generations to come,” said Shelby Weeda, president of King's Hawaiian Bakery.
Award recipients are chosen in eight different categories based on their strength in eight specific areas including results, transferability, environmental impact, resource conservation, economic progress, innovation and uniqueness, pollution prevention and environmental justice. King's Hawaiian won its award in the category of Sustainable Practices or Facilities.
King's Hawaiian is one of only 15 other recipients that were recognized at the Governors' Global Climate Summit 2 in Los Angeles on September 30.