Discovering a Sage

Posted by Jessica, BiOH Polyols Marketing Manager on December 4, 2008

What comes to mind when you think of sage? For me, there are a few answers.
*A sage is a wise person. (I can’t help but picture a man with a long white beard)
*Sage is also a shade of green. (I’m thinking of the paint in my sister’s living room.)
*And it’s a spice. (I”m dreaming of butternut squash ravioli with fresh sage right now.)

Though there are many definitions, sage seemed like the perfect compliment to an industry award that we partnered with AHFA (a trade association) to create in 2008. The Sage Award recognizes innovators within the home furnshings and bedding industries who demonstrate environmental and community leadership. The result was 14 entrants with unique stories that shared their best practices so others could learn.

The 2008 winner was Hickory Chair – a furniture manufacturer from Hickory, NC that makes custom furniture with many distinct designs. Their story starts on their factory floor… where employees have submitted over 2,000 ideas on ways to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and recycle. The impact has been significant – both from an environmental and community perspective as well as from a financial business perspective. It is powerful to hear their story and the impact that one organization can make.

This has made me intensely curious to hear more success stories like Hickory Chair’s. Do you have some to share?