Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479641
P H o t o g r a P H i c m o m e n t s 1 9 3 fixtures. Additionally, 100 percent recyclable flooring, which emits no volatile organic compounds or VOCs is used in the lobby. Even the majority of the art spread throughout Oakleaf is sustainably cre- ated. Oakleaf would like to issue a special thanks to Katrina, from the Greater Hartford Academy of Arts for loaning us her work of art for the new office. The piece is titled Book of Porcupines and it was created from recycled material! Along with the new philosophy, came a renewed focus on the Oakleaf team and its core values. Oakleaf created the largest team ever to participate in Bike MS Steelcase Ride in Windsor on June 5th. Oakleaf's 100 participants raised over $19,000 in support of the local MS chapter. The biggest news of 2011 was announced on July 28, 2011, when Waste Management acquired Oakleaf. The surprising and exciting news was supported with the tagline — Together, We Are Better. The acquisi- tion greatly improves the service and product offerings for both organizations. Oakleaf shares Waste Management's strategic focus on sustainability, technological innovation and increased develop- ment of national accounts. Oakleaf substantially increases Waste Management's client base while furthering its ability to provide com- prehensive, best-in-class environmental solutions. Additionally, Oakleaf's vendor-hauler network expands Waste Management's service footprint to new geogra- phies and offers customers turnkey shopping for envi- ronmental solutions. Waste Management's client roster will also pro- vide Oakleaf 's vendors with expanded business opportunities. Post-collection services increase the scope for the vendor hauler network - which gener- ates significant benefits for Waste Management and the network of vendors. Oakleaf is proud to join Waste Management because it will enhance service offerings to clients resulting in improved sustainability, environmental stewardship and a positive impact on a larger community. A bit about Waste Management: Waste Management (WM) is a $12.5 billion dollar company based in Houston, Texas. It is the leading provider of comprehen- sive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the com- pany provides collection, transfer, recycling, resource recovery and disposal services. It is the largest residential recycler, managing more than 8.5 million tons per year of mate- rial. That's enough to fill the Empire State Building 14.5 times. WM is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to- energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. In fact, WM produces more renewable energy than the entire solar industry in the U.S. and creates enough energy to power more than 1 million homes. To date, WM land- fills provide more than 26,000 acres of protected habitat for wildlife and 103 WM landfills and facilities are certi- fied by the Wildlife Habitat Council. WM is also working to green the fleet. Currently, Waste Management oper- ates more than 1000 alternative energy vehicles, like those powered by CNG. Today, more than 20 million customers rely on Waste Management. Above: The new headquarters corresponds with Oakleaf's phi- losophy of bringing sophisticated, smart solutions to the Waste Industry. Below: Oakleaf also volunteers and contributes to FOODSHARE – an organization at the heart of Greater Hartford's fight against hunger.