BOISE, IDAHO—ProTeam Inc., a Boise-based producer of commercial vacuum systems, is partnering with Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide indoor air quality technology to hotels in the Florida Green Lodging Program. ProTeam’s full line of vacuums includes HEPA-media upright vacuum cleaners. The company also is a corporate leader in promoting cleaning systems that improve indoor air quality and enhance health and safety. “The last thing anyone wants while vacationing or attending a conference in Florida is to get sick because of poor indoor air quality or cleaning,” says Mathew M. Wood, ProTeam president. “Our efforts...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Sherwin-Williams has introduced its new ProGreen 200 low VOC paint that exceeds GS-11 standards. At 50 grams per liter VOC, the product complies with environmental regulations and is ideal for new commercial construction. Available in an egg-shell finish, this low-odor, low-VOC product can be used in occupied areas. Sherwin-Williams Harmony Interior Latex line is a combination of high-end performance, high-style appeal and environmental friendliness in a product that’s low in odor and has zero VOCs. Harmony Interior Latex—formulated without silica and with anti-microbial properties that protect the paint film—offers a complete interior paint line, from primer...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. was ranked 20th on the 2006 Business Ethics magazine annual list of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens,” one of 16 companies to make the list for seven consecutive years. “We are honored to once again be a part of this prestigious list, and even more so, to be part of the very select group that has been chosen in each year,” says Douglas M. Baker, Ecolab president and c.e.o. “Ecolab is committed to operating under the highest standards of corporate behavior. This award is a terrific acknowledgement of our work; it means a great...

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO—Enviro-Solutions introduces ES59, a highly effective, sustainable, and environmentally preferable soy hand cleaner for use in all types of facilities. ES59 is a medium- to heavy-duty hand cleaner. It contains scrubbing particles made from walnut shells to safely remove ground-in grease on hands and skin. A premium, safe, and high performance hand cleaner, ES59 has a pleasant fragrance, is concentrated so it is economical to use, and contains emollients to help prevent dry skin. For more information, visit Enviro-Solutions.

MIAMI—The Hampton Inn-Jacksonville (N.C.) recently became the 750th lodging property to have M-Tech’s PMWorks preventive maintenance service installed as part of its overall property management solution. ASP-based PMWorks is powered by M-Tech’s HotSOS (Hotel Service Optimization System, pronounced hot sauce. PMWorks runs in a property’s regular Web browser and enforces enterprise-level standards to deliver a more consistent guest experience at all types of properties. “This is yet another milestone representing the acceptance and success of our PMWorks service in the hospitality industry,” says Luis C. Segredo, president of Miami-based M-Tech. “We’re pleased and honored that the 750th hotel...

PITTSBURGH—The Holiday Inn Select is the first hotel in Pittsburgh to offer its guests what CNN recently predicted to be a trend in the hospitality industry—PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms. The hotel, soon to be re-branded as a Crowne Plaza, added a block of PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms which will be available to their guests. The contemporary, suburban, full-service hotel is just seven miles to downtown Pittsburgh and features the latest in lodging, decor and technology with superior accommodations, executive suites and extended stay residences. “The staff at the hotel is very excited about offering this new amenity...

MEMPHIS—Natureplex LLC has introduced SleepTight Bed Bug Killer to the lodging industry. The new bio-pesticide is aimed at the growing global bed bug problem. With SleepTight, Natureplex becomes perhaps the first bio-based product company to re-enter the battle against bed bugs, once thought to be largely eradicated in the United States. Natureplex expects SleepTight will be a new tool in the fight against an old foe. During past infestations, bed bug numbers were largely decimated by powerful chemicals like DDT. However, DDT has long been banned. Company officials hope to appeal to increased environmental concerns with a product...

DUNEDIN, FLA.—With energy costs jumping as much as 50 percent or higher in some areas of the United States this past year, there is no better time to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive maintenance (PM) efforts. Without proper PM, energy is wasted and profits literally evaporate into thin air. Mintek Mobile Data Solutions, a provider of asset management tools such as WinTrack PM, offers the following 10 tips to reduce the impact of escalating energy costs: 1. Improperly maintained air handlers can waste up to 32 percent of the energy they consume. Check HVAC controls for proper calibration. Also...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Sherwin-Williams has introduced its new ProClassic High Gloss Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel for interior jobs where an ultra-high-gloss finish is preferred. Formulated to meet or exceed GS-11 criteria for coatings in LEED-certified buildings, ProClassic Waterborne Enamel combines the performance characteristics of an alkyd with the environmental benefits of a waterborne. With ProClassic High Gloss waterborne, contractors will get an ultra-smooth finish with no brush or roller marks that stands up to repeated washing and daily abuse. Its wet and dry hide means that fewer coats can be applied, saving time and money. Like ProClassic Waterborne...