MANHATTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS NEW YORK CITY’S PREMIER BUSINESS LEADERS

Green Apple Cleaners Honored with the Green Business of the Year Award for 2009

MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN, CHANCELLOR OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
NAMED 2009 “NEW YORKER OF THE YEAR”

(New York, NY) The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC), one of New York City’s oldest and most respected business development and professional networking organizations, presented its 2009 Green Business of the Year Award for 2009 to David Kistner, Founder and President of Green Apple Cleaners.  The award was presented at the MCC 2009 Business Awards Breakfast, an event that celebrates the achievements of New York City entrepreneurs who have established themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

Also honored was “New Yorker of the Year” Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of The City University of New York (CUNY) for his decade-long service and commitment to improving the quality of post-secondary education in New York City.

Nancy Ploeger, president of the MCC, said,  “In these difficult times, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce continues to play a critical role that allows New York City businesses to survive and, even, thrive.  Helping a small business understand this City’s complex real estate laws, making vital connections between companies, or helping businesses access to new markets across the country and around the world are just some examples of the ways the MCC has made a difference.

“A true entrepreneur, David Kistner is respected in green circles for his drive, dedication to sustainability and involvement in his community.  His commitment to the environment goes well beyond his creation of the only environmentally-friendly dry cleaning service in the tri-state area.  Among his many community service projects, you can find him planting trees, supporting nonprofit organizations and educating young people on the impact we each have on our environment.  We are proud to recognize his achievements and honor him with the first-ever MCC Green Business award,” said Ms. Ploeger.

In October 2006, after three years of research and careful assembly of the startup team, David Kistner launched Green Apple Cleaners to capitalize on the opportunity in the New York City dry cleaning market to offer an "eco-friendly" alternative.  Using clean efficient CO2 and water rather than traditional dry cleaning chemical methods, Green Apple Cleaners – is the tri-state’s only truly environmentally friendly cleaner.

The company has grown from a single store into a large multi-state operation serving more than 10,000 customers through a combination of a fleet of the most fuel efficient delivery vehicles -- including the industry’s first pedal trike.  This growth has occurred as the company continually introduces new environmental initiatives, as it challenges this historically “dirty” industry to change.

Among the company’s other eco-friendly ventures are: Green Apple Interiors, Green Apple Consumer Products (Natural Soaps and Detergents), Green Apple Concierge, and most recently the creation of a not-for-profit “The Green Apple Foundation” whose mission is to help educate school age children on protecting our environment.

MCC presented a total of nine awards at the 2009 Business Awards Breakfast.  Ms. Ploeger added, “The individuals and companies we honor today are recognized for their outstanding achievements, but more importantly, for their dedication and leadership that have enabled so many other New York City business owners to achieve their individual goals.”

Awards and recipients included:

The New Yorker of the Year Award, sponsored by Baruch College and Siemans, was presented to Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of The City University of New York.

The Cultural Achievement Award, sponsored by Time Warner Cable, was presented to Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO, El Museo del Barrio.

The Small Business Award, sponsored by J.H. Cohn, was presented to The O Group, CEO Orit.

The Mid-Size Business Award, sponsored by Wachovia and Wells Fargo, was presented to Kang & Lee Advertising, Saul Gitlin, Executive Vice President.

The Large Business Award, sponsored by Fed Ex, was presented to Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, John Seifert, Chairman Ogilvy North America.

The Global Business Award, sponsored by American Express FX International, was presented to Peninsula Hotels, Robert H. Rechtermann, General Manager for The Peninsula New York.

Restaurateur of the Year, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, was presented to Daniel Boulud, Chef-Owner of Restaurant Daniel.

Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by Aetrex, was presented to Robert Schwartz, Eneslow Shoes.

The Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Action Carting Environmental SVC, Inc., was presented to David Kistner, Founder and President of Green Apple Cleaners.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce represents the voice of over 100,000 companies in Manhattan and partners with over 300 diverse business organizations in the city.  Its members are part of one of the largest business constituencies in the country representing approximately 1.6 million US employees and approximately 4.5 million employees globally.  Locally, MCC member companies have over 165,000 employees.  Collectively, its member companies account for over $630 billion dollars in annual revenues.  Its mission is to create a positive business environment to foster job development and promote business growth.