Established by the Massachusetts Bar Association's Consumer
Advocacy Task Force, the MBA's Pinnacle Awards recognize companies
in Massachusetts with a proven, demonstrated commitment to their
consumers. The first winners of this new award are Dancing Deer
Baking Company and Staples Inc.
The winner of the small company award, Dancing Deer Baking Company
of Boston, was recognized for upholding its founding commitment to
its food, nature, aesthetics and community.
The company's popular baked goods - an impressive assortment of
cookies, brownies and cakes - are created with high quality,
natural ingredients and are all certified kosher. Dancing Deer
stands behind its commitment to customer service, stating they'll
do whatever it takes to reverse a dissatisfied customer. Their
non-deceptive, eco-friendly packaging exemplifies their commitment
to the customer and the environment.
Dancing Deer is also firmly committed to the community and often
donates their treats to charitable organizations or events. In
2001, they launched The Sweet Home Project, focused on ending
family homelessness.
CEO Frank Carpenito said the company is honored to receive the
award.
"This recognition reinforces our belief that delivering quality
products, superior customer service and full messaging transparency
is the foundation of a successful business," said Carpenito. "As
the recognized leader in business gifting for Massachusetts
companies and institutions, we take pride in what we do - from our
innovative products to our sustainable business practices. Our
baked goods are known for their superior taste, artful but simple
packaging, and pure, high-quality ingredients. We look forward to
continuing to grow, yet staying true to our core values."
Staples, based in Framingham, was the winner of the large company
award. A global office supply retailer, Staples has demonstrated a
commitment to both consumers and the environment.
Staples' Easy on the Planet program is committed to helping
customers run their business eco-consciously. The program requires
suppliers to be more transparent about the chemicals in its
products, consequently offering products that have reduced toxicity
and reducing pollution. They also feature recycling solutions for
laptop and other products, and offer eco-friendly tips helping
customers read labels and make eco-friendly choices.
Jake Swenson, director of sustainable products and services, said
the company is honored and excited to receive the inaugural
Pinnacle Award.
"We do everything with our customer in mind," said Swenson. "We're
equally as excited to be able to offer customers more than 10,000
products … designed to be gentler on the environment and human
health."
Swenson reported that the company is happy to be able to meet the
eco-aware needs of today's customers.
"More of our customers want to know that the products and services
Staples offers are safe, made responsibly, and have reduced
environmental and social impacts. We have seen these customers
increasingly choose environmentally and socially responsible
products," he said, adding that their recycling programs for ink,
cartridges and other items is widely popular.
At the start of the current school year, Staples teamed up with
music superstar Katy Perry for their "Make Roar Happen" program,
which fulfilled 949 classroom projects, provided 1,386 teachers in
1,089 schools with their classroom needs, and impacted 143,053
students throughout the U.S.
Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and
online marketing, said the company is thrilled with the results:
"With the help of our customers, we touched thousands of teachers
and students … we helped ensure teachers and students have what
they need in their classrooms for a successful year."