DES PLAINES, IL – Wheels, Inc. has announced that its EcoWheels program has been named a finalist in the American Business Awards (a.k.a. "The Stevies") "Best New Service" category. The program combines new solutions and technologies with proven best practices to help companies reduce their fleets' overall emissions while continuing to operate efficiently and effectively.

EcoWheels officially launched in 2007, following an intensive research phase throughout the past several years to devise a program that not only helps clients reach reduced emissions goals but aims to change the way corporate drivers – and intrinsically American drivers – think about transportation and the environment. The EcoWheels program includes tools to aid in selecting vehicles, improving driver behavior, optimizing routes and emissions reporting.

"In developing this program, we took great care to ensure that we created a truly innovative solution to addressing environmental concerns," said Herb Wamboldt, account manager and practice leader for EcoWheels. "Rather than offering easy solutions such as carbon trading or simply replacing all vehicles with hybrid options, we aimed to address the root of the problem – the initial creation of carbon emissions."

EcoWheels is one of nine finalists for the "Best New Service" award being presented during an annual gala in New York City on Thursday, June 12. The American Business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business. More than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories.