NEW YORK—With open-plan layouts dominating projects of all types, Carnegie has expanded its Acoustic Textile Solutions with two new acoustically absorbent sheers by Creation Baumann and one new silk-inspired acoustically transparent panel fabric.The first generation of Carnegie’s innovative sound absorbing sheers was launched in a lustrous, techno inspired palette; however, in efforts to blend with a more natural environment, Carnegie introduces Deltacoustic & Zetacoustic window solutions that expand the sheers collection by offering matte, cotton-like textiles. Using breakthrough yarn and weaving technology, these draperies are soft lightweight sheers that have the strength and performance of an opaque sound absorbing...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International employee volunteers build a house from the ground up, and hand over the keys to an elated single mother and her children. Tens of millions of dollars are spent conducting business with minority- and women-owned enterprises, supporting the company's strategic objectives and commitment to diversity. MGM Resorts and NRG Renew partner to install one of the nation’s largest rooftop solar arrays at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, stretching a massive 20 acres.These are just a few of the powerful displays of corporate citizenship chronicled in MGM Resorts’ 2014 Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Themed “Inspiration...

SAN FRANCISCO—Smith & Fong Co., manufacturer of Plyboo bamboo architectural plywood and flooring products, announced the expansion of its successful Stiletto, strand flooring line with four new colors and an extended range of custom trim molding options, according to company founder Dan Smith.“The Stiletto line has been our fastest-growing floor line to date, and to embrace color trends and a growing demand for a wider range of trim molding options we are responding to the call,” Smith said. “We are excited to debut new color offerings and supply custom color trim molding needs for the entire Stiletto line.”Stiletto now...

PACIFIC GROVE, CALIF.—Domaine Hospitality Partners, LLC, and representatives from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Foursome Development Co., and the City of Pacific Grove, Calif., announced the launch of Project Bella at a press conference in Pacific Grove.Developed by Domaine Hospitality Partners, Project Bella will be located across the street from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station at the site of the American Tin Cannery, at the end of historic Cannery Row. Now in planning with world-renowned architect Mark Hornberger of Hornberger+Worstell, Project Bella aims to be one of the leading luxury hotels in the United States.Speaking...

ODESSA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Odessa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added JVA Art Group to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Artwork” category. JVA Art Group is a global art design firm dedicated to creating environmentally respectful art programs in hotel properties for the pleasure of their guests. The company produces artwork from its 600,000 photographs worldwide utilizing reclaimed wood and recycled paper. JVA Art Group helps clients tell their stories by embedding art into architecture and interiors to create artistic environments. JVA artwork can be customized to fit individualized projects or standardized since JVA...

ADVANCE, N.C.—Beaufurn, the manufacturer of fashion-forward, functional designs, announced that it is introducing the Mesa Seating Collection. Resequencing the DNA of mid-century modern, this collection radiates its inspiration while leaping into the next generation of practical performance furniture. The generous proportions of the chairs and sofas make them particularly appropriate for corporate offices, lobbies, country clubs, Wi-Fi friendly coffeehouses, and university libraries and student unions.The upholstered pieces are available with optional wood or solid surface arm caps that can double as work surfaces for laptops, convenient table tops to rest coffee cups and muffin plates, or writing surfaces to...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has published the sixth edition of Management of Food and Beverage Operations by Jack D. Ninemeier, Ph.D., CHA, CFBE, CHE. This textbook addresses successful management and operational tactics used in food and beverage operations, how foodservice operations improve quality standards while reducing expenses, and explores ways in which technology can be used to give guests greater value for their dining dollars and improve efficiency.This edition includes information on LEED certification, updates about the EPA Energy Star program and technology in foodservice equipment, a new Nutrition and Dining Out section, how...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. together with Atlantic Hotels Group and Civitas Capital Group announced plans for a 224-room dual-branded Aloft and Element hotel development in the fast-growing Love Field district in Dallas. Scheduled to open in December of 2016, Aloft Dallas Love Field and Element Dallas Love Field will anchor a new mixed-use development just one mile from Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) and the Dallas Medical District.“Aloft and Element will bring new energy to the Dallas Love Field lodging market by offering travelers the choice of two distinct lifestyle brands in close proximity to the...

KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Landscape Forms announced its participation in the Health Product Declaration (HPD) Open Standard, a format for reporting on the material content of building products and the associated health effects. Landscape Forms counts among its clients some of the most forward-looking companies in the world.HPD development, maintenance, and evolution are overseen by the nonprofit Health Product Declaration Collaborative. The HPD Standard identifies a minimum set of chemical hazard lists against which ingredients must be screened to identify health and environmental hazards. To be considered complete, the HPD Standard requires full disclosure of the health hazards associated with each ingredient....

BOULDER, COLO.—Sustainable Materials, LLC is introducing Cork Bricks to the United States. A wall décor innovation, Corks Bricks are three-dimensional pieces of the finest natural, renewable cork bark precision cut in three different sizes and variations in thickness. Cork Bricks complement both casual and cosmopolitan décor. Imported from Portugal, Cork Bricks are pre-finished and immersed in a selection of six natural and neutral colors.“Envision interior walls with the appeal of traditional exposed brick in a three-dimensional design, but with a refined texture and warmer feeling,” said Pete Nichols, President, Sustainable Materials. “Cork Bricks bring that sophisticated yet inviting sense...