Business of the Year Award
Principal Charity Classic Champions Tour Golf Tournament
The Principal Charity Classic has made sustainability one of the key elements of the golf tournament. In 2024, they diverted over 12,000 pounds of materials from the landfill, including 3,500 pounds of plastic, 4,200 pounds of aluminum cans and 2,000 pounds of cardboard.
Project of the Year Award
Metro Waste Authority - "Little to Big" Campaign
Released in spring 2025, the Little to Big campaign by Metro Waste Authority was created to promote their Grow Gold Compost. The campaign achieved over 11,000 organic views, reached more than 7,000 individuals, and generated more than 400 interactions. Spring 2025 brought sales of 7,354 bags across 17 retail locations -- a 236% increase.
Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Mary Palmberg
For over 30 years, Mary has dedicated herself to supporting many of our local Johnson County area non-profit organizations including the Iowa City Free Lunch Program, Table to Table, and Houses into Homes. All of these programs offer essential services to the community while saving significant tonnage of materials from being landfilled including food, household goods, furniture, and mattresses.
Laurie Rasmus Impact Award
Jane Wilch
Jane has been a statewide leader and champion of recycling in Iowa for nearly a decade. From leading groundbreaking efforts in her role as Recycling Coordinator for the City of Iowa City to her leadership of the Iowa Recycling Association, where she served as Secretary, Vice President and President, Jane has created a lasting impact while always leading with integrity.