Green Living asked our local companies: How is your company taking the initiative to utilize local businesses for products or services?
Youchange
“We take this question very seriously, in fact we implemented a policy that’s really our passion and philosophy, extending from our business to our personal lives, to use local businesses wherever possible to ensure economic and environmental sustainability in our great state of Arizona. I was once ridiculed while in San Francisco presenting my company to a venture capitalist for being in Arizona, given their perception of the lack of Internet DNA. If this was the perception, it certainly can’t be anymore when you consider all the incredible talent locally. We found a great local company for our social media and SEO programs and another to video tape our “youchange” electronic collection events. In fact, we even buy all our vehicle wraps, banners and table skirts from a wonderful local company. Personally, I even find myself back to the small locally owned hardware stores and coffee shops. It’s become our standard!” ~ Jeffrey I. Rassas, Founder & CEO
EDGE Energy
“Using local resources in our renewable development efforts is always our goal and first choice [when hiring] for EDGE Energy’s renewable projects. All of our strategic partners have been carefully vetted local people that provide services in electrical design and engineering, solar architecture, structural and civil engineering, product procurement, EPC contractors and financial brokerage. We try very hard to source all contract labor and professional services here in Arizona for the good of the local economy.” ~ Tim A. Owens, Managing Partner
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
“A&P was voted the #1 Green Builder in Arizona recently by Ranking Arizona. I believe one of the reasons for this vote is the way we work with our local trade and professional organizations, including the US Green Building Council [local chapters], Valley Forward, Arizona Forward, Valley Partnership and Pinal County Partnership. By supporting those organizations, we get to work closely with businesses that supply our products and services and help us achieve our 500-mile radius requirements for LEED certification. LEED is a terrific tool for using and buying local products and services. We are also asking our product suppliers to look at the Architecture 2030 Challenge for Products to make sure [they] are looking at ways to reduce carbon in the manufacturing and installation process. Our goal is to utilize local businesses in the communities in which we build and to create sustainable workflow for residents.” ~ Sue Sylvester, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Business Development
We agree. We are always looking for local companies here in Arizona. Every opportunity to meet face to face with a potential client is equally important for product and service sales to our end client, as well as, to our service providers. We contracted a local roofing company in our neighborhood to replace our roof after hail damage last year. His service was better than those companies who worked on other neighbors’ roofs, the quality of materials was better, and his pricing was better. We worked out more business together for expanded services. We are all providing for our families. Our philosophy is basic. We want to network with more local companies.