Local non-profit greenUP!, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce and several organizing partners hosted the 2024 Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno, on October 10, 2024, from 6pm to 9:30pm to celebrate local individuals and organizations for their sustainability achievements.
This year, the Reno Riverwalk District, organizer of the Green Gala, worked together with greenUP! and the Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce to hold a celebratory event to honor sustainable programs that include the Nevada Green Business Program, Green Dining Nevada, and all the work our community does to support sustainability in our region. Dedicated to sustainability, the Reno Riverwalk District is focused on making downtown a green dining district as an extension of its 15-year program committed to downtown beautification initiatives to support sustainable business practices and maintain river preservation.
The theme of this year’s 2024 event was “Celebrate an evening of Sustainable Dining Art + Style.” A few of the many highlights included green carpet entrance with orchestra music, cocktail stations and mingling, upcycled fashion show, gourmet dinner, Golden Pinecone Awards ceremony and dancing. This year’s Golden Pinecone Awards ceremony was emceed by Nevada Broadcast Hall-of-Fame, Connie Wray. Her vibrant energy and outstanding TV and radio experience added vitality to the event.
Recognition was given in 12 categories:
• Educational Program – Envirolution
• Educator – Dr. Cecilia Vigil, Truckee Meadows Community College
• Non-Profit Organization – Kiwanis Bike Program
• Green Dining Establishment – Starburst Parlor Keto Bakery, Las Vegas
• Toward Zero Waste – The Waste Less Shop, Reno
• Tier 1 Green Business Leader – Carson City Toyota
• Tier 2 Green Business Champion – Outsiders Hair Studio
• Most Innovative Business – Smash My Trash
• Green Project of the Year – SSP America at the RNO Airport
• Sustainable Supply Chain – Solaris Global LLC
• Sustainable Milestones – Panasonic Energy of North America
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Madonna Dunbar
The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce was the proud title sponsor of the Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards. Its Chief Executive Officer, Ann Silver, states, “The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce congratulates businesses that are doing their part to make our environment more sustainable and encourage businesses to enroll in the Green Business and Green Dining Establishment Certification Programs we offer. As the voice for businesses in Washoe County, the Chamber is proud to represent the community’s drive to address environmental change across all business sectors.
Donna Walden, President of greenUP! said, “The Golden Pinecone Awards is a legacy event that greenUP! was proud to host. The individuals and businesses recognized play a large role in keeping our community healthy and resilient.”
Title sponsors for the Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards 2024 were greenUP! and the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. Gold sponsors included Northern Nevada Public Health, and Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, NV was a Silver Sponsor. Other sponsors included: Waste Management, NV Energy, Panasonic, Dynagraphics, Tesla, RSCVA, Google, Dreampilot Films, Nevada College of Business and Wells Fargo.
About The Golden Pinecone Ball
History: The Golden Pinecone Ball was started in 1989 by Tod Bedrosian, Bob Fulkerson, Glenn Miller and Bob Loux to bring the environmental community together as friends and initially to get the community excited about stopping the dump of nuclear waste. The pinecone awards were handmade out of plywood, an ironic twist on formal award ceremonies to honor environmental achievements of the past year.
greenUP! is a local 501c3 non-profit working with businesses to reduce their environmental impact through cost-saving practices and environmental education. See https://greenupnv.org
Incorporated in 1919, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Northern Nevada. The Chamber advocates, informs and educates its members, and connects them to one another and thousands of consumers.
The Reno Riverwalk District
The Riverwalk District boasts eight community parks, four Museums, an AAA-Baseball Stadium, Community Co-ops, Historical points of interest, award-winning spas, hotels, and hundreds of eclectic food, drink, and shopping establishments. The district also resides within the Downtown Reno Business Improvement boundaries, which offer ambassador assistance for locals and travelers. From pedicabs, parking garages, ridesharing, public transit, and the newest addition of Bird Scooters, visitors have plenty of options for traveling to and from the district. See renoriver.org.
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