The award judges companies based on two criteria: environmental compliance and housekeeping/community perception. Staker Parson Companies was recognized for significant improvements in each of these areas throughout its business. Scott W. Parson became CEO of Staker Parson Companies in 2006 and launched a new audit and awards program to encourage increased sustainability throughout the organization. Staker Parson's team of in-house environmental advisors, Paul Glauser, Pat Clark, and Mike Dalley designed the program to include comprehensive training and a standardized scoring method for all locations to use. The environmental advisors conduct annual inspections at 163 sites in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona.

Speaking of the program, Parson said, "The inspection and awards program, which is voluntary, has resulted in drastic changes and improvements in the way we conduct our business. Thanks to the efforts of our managers and supervisors who support the program, our business locations are more safe, clean, aesthetically pleasing, professional, and efficient." Glauser added, "Since the inception of this program, we have seen significant improvements in our environmental compliance and housekeeping efforts. The program has made our sites safer, more pleasing to look at, and most importantly, more environmentally-friendly. From 2007-2008, the Utah business units of Staker & Parson Companies improved their environmental performance by an average of 39%."

Utah's Manufacturing Extension Partnership is an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is a resource to help Utah's manufacturers maximize their productivity, growth, and profitability. Manufacturing is the largest single industry sector in Utah with an annual payroll of $5.7 billion.