2024 Award Recipients
The Sustainable Business Awards are designed to recognize Wisconsin businesses for their efforts in developing sustainable products and processes and to recognize some of the amazing business leaders in the state. Each award recognizes both a large and small organization that has stood out in its specific category.
On November 15th, 2022, the WI Sustainable Business Council presented the 8th annual Sustainable Business Awards at the US Venture Building in Green Bay, WI.
Many businesses play crucial roles in responding to social and environmental challenges, and WI businesses are no exception. We received fabulous and well-written applications this year, making the judges job much more difficult.
If you would like to view past winners, click here.
The 2022 winners are as follows:
The Sustainable Business Awards recognize Wisconsin businesses for their efforts in developing sustainable and innovative products and services. We aim to celebrate these business leaders and their achievements across the state.
Businesses play a crucial role in addressing the environmental and social challenges of our time, and Wisconsin businesses are no exception. Each year, we receive inspiring nominations that highlight sustainable practices and innovations, demonstrating how businesses are making a positive impact in Wisconsin and beyond.
This year, we announced and celebrated the 2024 winners on November 12th at the 10th Annual Sustainable Business Awards ceremony held at Milwaukee Tool in Milwaukee, WI.
For a view of pictures from the event, click here.
To see past winners, please click here.​
2024 Winners
Sustainable Product
of the Year
New Leaf Green Notes™ by New Leaf Paper
New Leaf Paper, a certified B Corporation has been recognized for its commitment to sustainable design, reducing environmental impact across its entire lifecycle with its Sustainable Product of the Year New Leaf Green Notes™. Crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, these pocket-sized memo books eliminate the need for virgin materials, significantly cutting energy and water consumption in production.
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The product’s design prioritizes low emissions and waste reduction, utilizing vegetable-based inks and chlorine-free processing to minimize harmful chemicals. The notebooks, belly bands, and packaging are fully recyclable, reinforcing a closed-loop system that prevents landfill waste.
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New Leaf Green Notes™ also extends product lifespan with durable, acid-free pages and sturdy binding, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The brand’s commitment to circularity ensures that all components can be repurposed at end-of-life.
Beyond environmental benefits, the product supports community well-being, donating 3% of proceeds to non-profits focused on forest conservation. Additionally, a tree is planted for each retail order, furthering global reforestation efforts.
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By combining eco-friendly materials, responsible sourcing, and consumer education, New Leaf Green Notes™ exemplifies sustainability in action, proving that everyday products can make a lasting environmental and social impact.
Innovative Service
of the Year: Large Business
Emplify Health by Gundersen
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Gundersen Health System has been recognized for its industry-leading commitment to sustainability, integrating renewable energy, efficiency, and resiliency into its healthcare operations. Through Gundersen Envision, Gundersen continues to set new environmental benchmarks in the healthcare sector.
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In 2023, Gundersen opened its first net-zero clinic in Elroy, WI, expanding healthcare access while utilizing renewable energy. A 760kW solar array was installed on the Blue Ramp parking garage, and annual investments are made to reduce the system’s carbon footprint. All new buildings are designed to be net zero, while existing facilities aim to use 50% less energy than comparable structures.
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Gundersen has also prioritized resiliency and risk reduction by implementing battery storage systems and designing the Onalaska Micro-Grid to enhance energy security. Their commitment to Food as Medicine is reflected in the development of a hospital farm, which will support community health initiatives.
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By utilizing renewable energy and efficiency strategies, Gundersen saved $5.3 million in utility costs in 2023, redirecting those funds to patient care and demonstrating that high energy use is not an inevitable cost of healthcare. These efforts help control healthcare costs while fostering an engaged workforce that takes pride in the organization’s sustainability mission.
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Gundersen also advocates for renewable energy policies, conducts regular energy audits, and engages stakeholders through initiatives like Earth Week, educating staff and patients on sustainability. Their leadership in ESG frameworks continues to drive meaningful change within the healthcare sector and beyond.
Innovative Service
of the Year: Small Business
Impact Storytelling by Evolution Marketing, LLC
Evolution Marketing LLC has been recognized for the Innovative Service Award for its Impact Storytelling Services, which help organizations integrate, measure, and communicate sustainability efforts effectively. Through tailored Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, Evolution Marketing enables businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to track sustainability metrics, optimize resource use, and improve supply chain transparency.
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Their expertise has supported companies like Artisan Dental and Biosystems Engineering in developing impact reports that measure sustainability improvements, from waste reduction to carbon neutrality. Additionally, Evolution Marketing works with organizations to foster stakeholder engagement and public education on sustainability.
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By advancing workforce strategies that enhance employee health, safety, and wellness, and guiding businesses through B Corporation certification and third-party sustainability audits, Evolution Marketing is driving meaningful change in corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.
Sustainable Execuative
of the Year
Sandra Henry
President & CEO, Slipstream
As the President and CEO of Slipstream, Sandra Henry embodies the essence of visionary leadership, transforming challenges into opportunities that drive financial strength, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Stepping into her role during a pivotal time, Sandra quickly fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation, guiding the organization through strategic planning that champions inclusivity and sustainability.
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Sandra’s leadership style is defined by her people-first approach, recognizing that true transformation begins with empowering individuals. She has cultivated a workplace where authenticity, trust, and growth are at the forefront, ensuring that every team member contributes meaningfully to Slipstream’s mission. Under her guidance, the organization has embraced a more agile and accountable structure, allowing for greater engagement and collaboration across all levels.
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A passionate advocate for sustainability, Sandra envisions a future where communities thrive through equitable clean energy solutions. Her ability to connect people and ideas has positioned Slipstream as a leader in workforce development and sustainability education, engaging the next generation through initiatives like Clean Energy Career Fairs and classroom-integrated energy modeling tools.
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Beyond her professional role, Sandra lives the values she promotes—whether biking, tending to her community garden, or championing local sustainability initiatives. She believes in the power of collective action, aligning Slipstream’s efforts with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Project Drawdown to amplify impact.
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Sandra Henry is not just a leader; she is an architect of change, building a future where sustainability, equity, and community well-being are inextricably linked.
Sustainability Champion
of the Year
Michelle Miller
Sustainability Manager, North America, Symrise
The Sustainable Business Council proudly recognizes Michelle Miller, Sustainability Manager for North America Food & Beverage at Symrise, as the recipient of the 2024 Sustainability Champion Award. Michelle’s unwavering dedication to integrating sustainability into business operations has made a significant impact within her organization and the broader industry.
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Through her leadership, Michelle has developed comprehensive KPIs, policies, and processes that streamline data collection and improve sustainability performance across Symrise’s nine North American facilities. She has successfully aligned sustainability with corporate culture, demonstrating how sustainable initiatives drive both business value and environmental responsibility. Michelle’s ability to engage stakeholders—from plant managers to sales teams—has fostered a company-wide commitment to sustainability.
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Her innovative approaches include the creation of North America sustainability dashboards, annual site sustainability reports, and strategic roadmaps to meet Net Zero by 2030 goals. Beyond her corporate achievements, Michelle actively contributes to sustainability networks, (including us as SBC!) community initiatives, and mentorship programs, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in both professional and personal spheres.
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Michelle’s dedication, leadership, and ability to effect lasting change make her a true #SustainabilityChampion, setting a powerful example for businesses striving for a more sustainable future.
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Thomas L. Eggert Leadership Forward Award
Randy Bertram, retired Sustainability Director for WMEP Manufacturing Solutions
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For decades, Randy was a driving force behind sustainable business practices in Wisconsin, pioneering innovative programs that have had measurable environmental and economic impacts. Beginning his career optimizing resource efficiency in manufacturing, he later spearheaded the Profitable Sustainability Initiative (PSI), a nationally recognized program that delivered more results than the other 49 participating states combined.
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Through his leadership at the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), Randy fought to integrate sustainability into services, forging alliances with key organizations such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC). It was his vision that brough WSBC to WMEP for six years where he worked to expand the Green Masters Program and empower businesses to implement sustainable practices.
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A thought leader in sustainability, Randy has influenced national policies, secured funding for sustainability initiatives, and mentored countless business leaders, consultants, and practitioners on the practical implications of sustainability. His impact extends beyond Wisconsin, shaping sustainability strategies across industries and fostering a culture where sustainability is a driver of business success.
