Cleveland, OH – Visual Marking Systems (VMS) will once again be celebrated for its achievements in responsible, progressive and efficient business practices.  The company will receive a Summit of Sustainability Award from Akron Mayor, Donald L. Plusquellic and Russ Pry, Summit County Executive on October 25, 2012 at the University of Akron Student Union Ballroom. VMS is honored to be an inaugural recipient of the award in the Small Business Category by the that recognizes sustainability initiatives that improve people, profit and the planet, as outlined by the award commission.
 
The Summit of Sustainability Award is an outgrowth of a 2008 City of Akron effort to quantify the impacts of government, commercial/industrial and residential activities on the environment.  Ultimately, the award was created as a way to highlight the environmental success stories of businesses and non-profits throughout the Summit County community, in hopes that these victories would guide and encourage others towards sustainable practices.
 
The CEO of VMS, Dolf Kahle states, " All of us at VMS are very proud of this prestigious award from Summit County.  We have worked hard to improve our facility towards a sustainable green business.  Many thanks to Dave Sunderman, Sustainable Project Lead Coordinator, in leading VMS's efforts."
 
VMS has an outstanding track record of sustainability as evidenced by its recognition as the "First Certified Green Printer in Northeast Ohio" (2012) by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP). SGP provides the framework for companies to strive to reduce their carbon footprint, capitalize on future business, and take into consideration the community, including the health and safety of employees.
 
Maintaining green practices throughout each layer of VMS's business is a priority.  Initiatives include recycling programs to reduce waste, employee engagement in developing green initiatives, product development which incorporates post-consumer materials and construction projects that result in less energy use and landfill waste.
 
VMS' sustainability policies and procedures have led to the achievement of several significant sustainable successes to date.  These include a successful lighting retrofit project to reduce carbon footprint and energy costs (Energy Efficiency); an effective recycling program that involves a significant amount of office and production materials, on pace to divert almost 15 tons of raw material from landfills in its first full year (Waste Reduction); and panel participation on sustainable business practices in areas of manufacturing, procurement, and employee engagement at the American Public Transportation Workshop in August 2012 (Employee/Member/Community/ Involvement and/or Outreach).
 
VMS has been able to reduce its annual average usage in the following areas:

• Raw Material Savings External Scrap Rate -5%
• Water Savings -16%
• Energy Savings (Electric) -15%
• Energy Savings (Natural Gas) -2%

 As a Certified Sustainable Green Printer, VMS has undergone extensive auditing encompassing all business operations and practices.  They uphold the standards of SGP through their many green initiatives, which positively affect people, profits and the planet because these ideals are core to their business.  VMS is indeed honored to be recognized by Summit County and The City of Akron Chamber of Commerce for these efforts.