By Vanessa Salvia

The Winners of the 2023 Bold Steps Awards, which this year includes a new small business award, were announced by Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis during the annual State of the City Address on January 4. The Mayor’s Bold Steps Award program highlights local businesses that offer their employees opportunities for wellness and career growth, and take steps to reduce their environmental impacts. This city of Eugene award program is open to Eugene-based businesses that have completed a free certification through the BRING Rethink Business program. BRING provides on-site consultation to help businesses reduce waste, promote equity, and use resources efficiently. Learn more about the Bold Steps ward Program at the program’s website.

The 2023 Bold Steps Winners are Forrest Technical Coatings and Threadbare Print House.

Forrest Technical Coatings

Forrest Technical Coatings makes industrial coatings, house paint, and aerosols, and developed FireSnake, a product responsible for salvaging 814,946 pounds of recycled fibers and isopropyl alcohol from the waste stream over the past year.

Threadbare Print House

Threadbare Print House is a commercial textile print shop that provides knowledge and guidance to customers around how to reduce environmental and ethical impacts related to clothing purchases.

About the Bold Steps Award

Winning businesses receive marketing assistance including print ads and recognition from the Mayor and community members at the annual State of the City event.

The City works with a committee to select Bold Steps finalists from those nominated for this award and all finalists receive a professionally produced video highlighting their sustainability efforts.

To qualify for consideration for the Bold Steps award, businesses must be certified through the BRING Rethink Business program which offers businesses free, on-site consultation to reduce waste and save money.