Each year, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center and the Office of the Governor (Illinois) honor local companies for their significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future, and improving the economy.

Organizations that are winning the award for the first time receive the Sustainability Award. Those organizations that have won in past years and are continuing their environmental efforts are awarded a Continuous Improvement Award. In past years, Italian companies with local operations such as Frigel North America have been given this award.

As part of Machines Italia's activities to promote the sustainable practices conducted by Italian solution providers, copies of The Italian Edge: Technology for Sustainability, were given out - including to Lt. Governor Shelia Simon who opened this year's event.