March 2, 2011 – After more than a month of online voting, winners of River North Business Association’s “best” awards were announced last night. Winners include three restaurants, a hotel, a fitness facility, and a cooking school.

Best Business or Service East Bank Club Best Retailer, Showroom or Gallery The Chopping Block Best Entertainment or Hospitality Business Rockit Bar & Grill Best Green Business The Holiday Inn Mart Plaza Best New Restaurant Nick’s Fishmarket Grill & Bar (Merchandise Mart) Best Restaurant Texas de Brazil

The Holiday Inn (left, above the Chicago Sun-Times) is not only environmentally friendly but it is Chicago’s first “LEED” certified hotel, achieving certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and it is the largest “Gold LEED” certified hotel in the United States.

According to Sharon Romack, president of the RNBA, the “best green business” award “recognizes the business that has proven their dedication to measurable ‘greening’ action within the running of their business, in the production or distribution of their products and services and/or in the products and services they provide to the River North community and beyond.”

She says the business must show dedication to the global environment, have a positive impact on River North by being a good community citizen, and participate in River North Business Association activities.

More than 3,500 votes were cast. The announcements were made at the association’s annual meeting held this year at Texas de Brazil, one of the award winners.