Spirit Graphics, Chula Vista CA, winner of the 2009  WhatTheyThink Environmental Innovation Award for Thought Leadership has been recognized by the California Air Resources Board for exceptional success in saving money while cutting their greenhouse gas emissions. Spirit Graphics received one of five CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year awards given to companies that have made real and concrete contributions to innovation, implementation, and communication of environmental solutions. The CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards program was established to recognize small California businesses (with less than 100 employees) and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and made notable, voluntary achievements towards reducing their climate impact. Applicants took a variety of actions to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions including installing compact fluorescent lights or solar panels; supporting car pooling; reducing waste and water consumption; telecommuting and moving office locations to reduce transportation emissions; developing business-specific climate action plans; and incentivizing climate-friendly behavior with employee award programs. Pictured above are Betty Jo Toccoli (California Small Business Association President), Thomas Ackerman (Spirit Graphics), Mary Nichols (California Air Resources Board Chairman)