TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This morning, Top Drawer Creative CEO Howard Chang was named to the 2015 Clean 50 – a list of the 50 most responsible and progressive citizens in Canada. Other 2015 winners include Dogwood Initiative Executive Director Will Horter and Nature Conservancy President and CEO John Lounds.
"Canada's Clean 50 Awards are announced annually by Delta Management Group to recognize 50 individuals or small teams, from 16 different categories, who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years," said Gavin Pitchford, Chief Talent Officer, Delta Management Group.
Delta Management Group's criterion for determining honourees involves carefully considering actual measurable accomplishments, demonstrated innovation, collaboration with other organizations, and the power of the honouree's contribution to inspire other Canadians to take similar action. Honourees are chosen after rigorous screening and research by Delta Management, with advice from internal researchers and external advisors, and were selected from an initial pool of over 550 well-qualified candidates.
"The process to narrow down to just 50 this year was extremely difficult. There are many wonderful and committed leaders in organizations across Canada, working in many different fields, who are all concerned about the course of Canada's future if we don't take action – and are doing so themselves. These individuals are rarely waiting for regulations to drive their organizations forward – but are leading by example."
Howard's commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility led his Toronto-based company, Top Drawer Creative, to become the first full-service advertising agency in Canada to become a certified B-Corporation.
Top Drawer Creative uses 100% green energy, pays employees to bike to work, and is a past Smart Commute Employer of the Year. Howard has helped his clients transfer $20 million of their media buys from paper to electronic, and through conscious decision, 70% of the firm's clients now fall into social cause, health, nutrition, green energy, adventure sports, or fitness and active lifestyle categories.
Howard has also done pro-bono campaigns for bike safety, and chaired the capital campaign for the new Mattamy National Cycling Centre.
"Howard personifies goodness in advertising, and is making green the new black," said Pitchford.
"The Clean50 come from a broad array of backgrounds, such that only a few individuals are able to be recognized within any given category. To be one of them is truly indicative of industry and personal leadership in that category," said Pitchford.
Howard will be amongst approximately 110 past and present Clean 50 honourees meeting tomorrow (September 17) at the "Clean50 Summit 4.0" on Toronto Island, to spend a day amongst peers and colleagues tackling common sustainability challenges.
To interview Howard Chang, or for more information about Top Drawer Creative, please contact Nicole Pointon at nicole@topdrawercreative.com.
TOP DRAWER CREATIVE INC. was founded in 1996 on the principles of accountability and sustainability. Unlike traditional agencies, Top Drawer does not focus on an industry category or demographic. Instead, the agency has honed its expertise by focusing on a consumer psychographic segment that they have branded "AHAA™"—active, healthy, affluent and aware. Top Drawer was conceived as a fully convergent services model that would serve as the agents of influence for brands that target this niche consumer. Top Drawer is a Certified B Corporation. www.topdrawercreative.com