Certifications & Awards

2016 Architectural Record Products

Architectural Record is the leading trade publication dedicated to architecture and interior design.  Recognized for regenerative design, natural beauty and lasting, maintenance-free performance, Bark House® Poplar Bark Wall Coverings represent an engagement with authenticity, beauty and resourcefulness.

Cradle to Cradle Certification(TM)

The world’s first and only Cradle to Cradle PLATINUM Certified™ Product.  C2C provides a company with a means to tangibly and credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design and helps customers purchase and specify products that are pursuing a broader definition of quality.

This means using environmentally safe and healthy materials; design for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency; efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; and instituting strategies for social responsibility. Highland Craftsmen Inc is the first company – and so far the only one – to have achieved the very prominent and elusive Platinum Level certification from Cradle to Cradle.

OSHA SHARP AWARD

The NC Department of Labor recognized HIGHLAND CRAFTSMEN for receiving an OSHA SHARP award. OSHA is of course the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and SHARP is the Safety and Health Recognition Program.

B Corporation

B Corp 2008 to 2017 – A Best For The World Company

B Corps are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corporations are unlike traditional responsible businesses because they:

Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards.
Institutionalize stakeholder interests.
Build collective voice through the power of a unifying brand.

NCMEP Leadership Award in Sustainable Manufacturing

The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) recognizes manufacturing organizations that have demonstrated excellence in creating exceptional results in developing markets, continuous improvement, innovative technologies, advanced talent management or sustainable manufacturing and their commitment to the North Carolina manufacturing sector, as proven by outstanding performance.

Houzz Badge

Bark House product images have been saved over 1,000 times by HOUZZ users

View all HOUZZ awards and badges

Green Innovation Award

This acknowledgement is related to a successful job training seminar the company sponsored on sustainable forestry and bark harvesting. Participants stated that the seminar was both timely and needed in this area of the Southern Appalachians. The goal of the seminar was to link small landowners directly to sustainable forestry management organizations and proliferate sustainable forestry management. “By localizing the supply chain with certified local products, we are increasing the market share for local individuals, creating new jobs in high unemployment areas, and retaining the flow of capital within local economies,” explains company founder and organizer, Chris McCurry.

Business of the Year

Awarded by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. It is significant to win this award in a community where our impact is seen as positive by those who can directly observe us every day, not just at audit time. HIGHLAND CRAFTSMEN has built a new industry in the Appalachians and created hundreds of green collar jobs for local residents. The company is honored to be part of the town revitalization projects and participating in town branding activities.

Cultural Contribution Award

As much as HIGHLAND CRAFTSMEN looks to the future, our roots run deep into rich soil. We have upheld the mountain region’s culture and recognize the importance of place-making. Winning a Cultural Contribution Award from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce meant a great deal because of this.

The Golden Nail Award

The Golden Nail Award is given by the Spruce Pine Main Street Organization to a company that has done the most to clean and green their business. HIGHLAND CRAFTSMEN reclaimed a corner property and completely overhauled the building and landscape. Spruce Pine is a town that is undergoing revitalization after significant manufacturing and business loss. Highland Craftsmen plans to improve on additional downtown properties.

Agriculture Business Award

The Awards are designed to highlight and award examples of best-practice within the industry.

Advantage Innovation Award

It is for an exceptional entrepreneur from the region that demonstrates corporate imagination, innovation and entrepreneurship resulting in increased teamwork, competitive advantage and overall productivity.