SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Golden Pinecone Celebration recognizes members of the community for environmental stewardship in the Truckee Meadows. The event, a collaboration between Nevada EcoNet and greenUp!, takes place Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. The event features dinner and live music from the Jazz Guys of Carson City’s Mile High Jazz Band. Individual tickets and group tables are still available and may be purchased at www.nevadaeconet.org.
Five winners in various categories will be honored this year, including Caesars Entertainment of Northern Nevada, owner of Harrah’s Reno and Harrah’s and Harveys South Lake Tahoe.
“Big business often gets a bad rap in the environmental community, and casinos get an even worse one,” said Jen Huntley-Smith, president of greenUp! “Caesars went all in on sustainability and the bets paid off.”
Caesars Entertainment is the 2011 Golden Pinecone Environmental Business Award Recipient. The Golden Pinecone selection committee chose Caesars for the progressive programs it has implemented at its hotel and gaming sites, including on-site recycling for guests and employees and water conservation. Since 2003, the company has reduced water consumption by more than 200 million gallons annually.
Matt Krystofiak, Regional Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management for Caesars, says the company’s green mindset extends far beyond waste reduction. Caesars nurtures a sustainable culture among its employees, he says.
“I was humbled and surprised that all the efforts our employees have done was recognized with such a high honor,” Krystofiak said. “We know there was some stiff competition among businesses here in Northern Nevada.”
Krystofiak will receive the award on behalf of Caesars Entertainment at the 2011 Golden Pinecone Celebration.
Nevada EcoNet is a local nonprofit founded in 1990 as an environmental and education resource for northern Nevada. Its two signature events are Earth Day at Idlewild Park and the Golden Pinecone Celebration. As Nevada EcoNet dissolves in December, greenUp! assumes sole responsibility for the Golden Pinecone awards. GreenUp! was organized in 2007 by community environmental advocates as a resource of sustainability expertise for the business community, creating networking opportunities and fostering an eco-inspired business culture in the Truckee Meadows.
