Applications for the 2012 Oregon Sustainability Awards are now being accepted by Business Oregon on behalf of the Governor and the Oregon Sustainability Board.

Oregonians have always put great value on the long-term health of the environment in which they live, work and play, and therefore take the long view when making investments in economic development. Sustainability is an integrated concept in the strategic planning of most Oregon organizations and companies, but some are truly moving to the head of the pack.

The Oregon Sustainability Awards are intended to promote and advance the inclusion of sustainable practices in government and the private sector. Any private, public, or non-profit organization is eligible to apply. Awards will be given based on merit, but organizations may be grouped by size and/or type in order to make comparing applicants more efficient and appropriate.

Winners must show a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond compliance with regulatory requirements. They will be innovators in their fields and show that becoming more sustainable is not in conflict with achieving the organization's core mission, whatever that may be. The Awards broadly defines sustainable practices as those that strive to optimize an organization's financial, environmental and social performance.

Last year's winners were Burgerville (large business); Northwoods Nursery (small business); Port of Portland; and a three-organization partnership from Corvallis - Corvallis School District, Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and First Alternative Co-op (NGO/Government).

For more information and a downloadable application, please visit: www.oregon4biz.com/Sustainability/. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2012. Applicants should expect a response approximately two months after the deadline.

For additional information, please contact Business Oregon's Mark Brady at 503.229.5223 or mark.brady@state.or.us.

Business Oregon works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.