ORTING, WASH.—Baxter, a leader in designing and manufacturing quality foodservice and bakery equipment worldwide, recently launched the next generation of its popular mini rotating rack oven. The new OV310 Series ovens include updated and additional features without sacrificing the quality performance or small footprint that have become industry standards. New features include a larger viewing area (350 square inches total) with dual-pane glass, hidden door hinges and longer-lasting silicone door gaskets for a better oven-door seal. Other enhancements include vertical door handles with a positive latching system, surface-mounted digital controls and easier access to power breaker/gas shutoff valve through the...

RIPON, WIS.—UniMac, a leading provider of on-premises laundry equipment, announced the introduction of over-dry prevention technology that allows laundry managers to reduce labor, energy and linen replacement costs associated with over-drying. Over-drying occurs when tumble dryers run longer than needed because they cannot detect when linen has reached its optimal dryness level or when staff uses incorrect cycles. This causes linens to deteriorate faster, decreases throughput and uses excessive energy. OPTidry over-dry prevention technology is an innovation that connects sensors located within the lifters to UniMac’s rotary transfer switch to offer high levels of accuracy. The result is a pinpoint dryness...

DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts is making significant progress toward reaching environmental goals outlined in its 2015 Environmental Vision, a set of aggressive environmental performance goals. The operator of lodging and concessions in national parks and resorts around the country spelled out its progress using environmental performance metrics, called “Ecometrix.” The company’s achievements and measurable progress toward its environmental goals are detailed in the company’s fourth Environmental Sustainability Report. In the report, Xanterra’s president and CEO, Andrew Todd, wrote about the devastation brought about by recent environmental disasters, such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Todd cited Xanterra’s...

WESTBURY, N.Y.—When Westbury, New York’s Viana Hotel & Spa was in its design stage, it was shortly after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast. Oil prices shot up and the United States’ dependence on foreign oil was in the spotlight. It was within this climate of energy uncertainty that Alan Mindel and his team at Samar Hospitality decided to build the most energy-efficient hotel possible. Designed to achieve LEED-NC Silver certification, the 116-room Viana Hotel & Spa on Long Island features a closed-loop water-source heat pump system for heating and cooling as well as an 11-kilowatt photovoltaic system on...

ARLINGTON, VA.—The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) issued a report detailing the dramatic reduction of TV and computer monitor sizes and weights since the advent of flat-panel monitors and TVs. The report, Materials Footprint Reduction of Televisions and Computer Monitors: 2004-2010, found flat-panel TVs are 82 percent lighter and 75 percent smaller than their cathode ray tube (CRT) TV predecessors of a similar screen size. The report also found today’s 40- to 70-inch flat-panel TVs weigh 34 percent less than 13- to 36-inch CRT TVs. “The staggering reductions in materials in TVs and computer monitors have real and lasting environmental benefits,...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has created a YouTube channel in order to share its growing video library with a wider audience. Viewers can choose from numerous informative short subjects on topics ranging from installing specific controls to selecting high ROI control investments. The channel is updated frequently, and subscribers receive automatic notifications when new content is added. Viewers can watch the videos on mobile devices as well as their computers. By uploading video content to YouTube, WattStopper enables sales reps and distributors to incorporate this informative content in their own communications, providing added value to customers. The YouTube channel also directly...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Cogenra Solar, a provider of distributed solar cogeneration systems and renewable energy service solutions, announced that Kate Sherwood has joined the company as vice president of U.S. sales. Sherwood brings a proven sales and business development track record in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, including leadership positions at SunPower, SunLink and Recurrent Energy. She joins Cogenra to meet the company’s growing demand for its hybrid solar solution, applying her solar background to the rapidly developing market. “Kate Sherwood has consistently demonstrated the talent and drive to grow revenues and evolve sales teams in the solar space,” said Cogenra...

TAMPA, FLA.—LEDnovation, a developer of LED lighting and replacement lamp technology, has expanded its EnhanceLite LED MR16 line to include the first in a series of 50W equivalent (50W Eq) replacement MR16 lamps. The initial offering boasts a center beam candle power (CBCP) of 7360 Candelas at 7.9W and an efficacy of 57 lumens/watt. With a narrow spot beam angle of 11 degrees, this 50W Eq EnhanceLite LED MR16-50 is an optimum replacement for energy wasting, low-voltage halogen MR16 lamps widely used throughout the gaming industry in casinos and other hospitality venues. It offers true 50W equivalent performance, Energy Star...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—The Nashville Airport Marriott has gone green by installing two electric vehicle charging stations in the property’s parking lot. The Nashville hotel began installation the week of June 27 and the charging stations are now ready for use by its guests. The installation is part of a partnership with The EV Project that was created by ECOtality, an energy company that works to identify technological innovations in the electric transportation and storage industry. The EV Project’s purpose is to deploy electric vehicles and approximately 14,000 charge infrastructures in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas located in six states and...

VINELAND, N.J.—For the last year and a half, drivers motoring down Route 55 in Vineland, N.J., have been met with a surprising site—a 2,500-solar panel installation behind the Ramada Vineland. The .5-megawatt system sits on three acres of land owned by NGL Property Management, owner and operator of the adjacent 102-room Ramada. The solar system provides about 75 to 80 percent of the hotel’s power. That is significant given that the hotel has a banquet hall and three food and beverage facilities: Dakota Prime Steak House and Sushi Bar, Harry’s Pub (Bar & Grill), and The Speedway Café. According...