This week, Green Lodging News will turn one year old. I launched my new publication July 15, 2006. I am excited to report that it is has done nothing but grow since its launch. More than 6,000 lodging industry representatives now subscribe to the weekly newsletter and on some days more than 1,000 visitors stop by the website. In recent weeks I have been interviewed by many different national media—all of whom were eager to learn more about the green lodging movement.
A lot of hours outside of a normal 8:30 to 5 p.m. day have been spent building my new publication. My website and newsletter designer, Lakewood, Ohio-based Chartreuse Inc., has been especially helpful, as well as talented designer Juan Quirarte, also based here in the Cleveland area. Without the support of my Founding Sponsors and every other advertiser, this first year would have been much more difficult. Thank you to all of you!
Where do we go from here? The greening of the lodging industry is just beginning and most definitely is not a fad. In year two you can expect to see more steady coverage of news and trends, profiles of movers and shakers, as well as a continued focus on innovative products and technologies. You can also expect to see some new additions to Green Lodging News in the coming months.
Green Movement Just Taking Root
I am convinced that events both inside and outside of the lodging industry will continue to fuel interest in sustainability, energy and water waste reduction, local and organic purchasing, green meetings, marketing and building.
I challenge those of you who have participated in efforts to green your property’s operations in the past year to do even more in the coming year. Share your success stories with other hotels, motels, inns and lodges in your area. Participate in or lead efforts to establish green lodging certification programs in your own state or country. Don’t be silent when developers in your community opt to build hotels that will strain—rather than sustain—the environment.
I urge vendors who have supported Green Lodging News in the past to continue to do so in the future. Those suppliers that have taken a wait and see approach to advertising can be sure that Green Lodging News is here to stay.
Never hesitate to share your news, ideas and success stories with me. You need not be an advertiser or potential client to do that. Finally, continue to spread the word about Green Lodging News and encourage your colleagues to sign up for my newsletter. I look forward to working with all of you during Green Lodging News’ second year.
New Green Lodging News Partners
I am excited to report that Green Lodging News has added Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. as a Founding Sponsor, and Orbeco Inc. as a Green Product Directory partner. Lutron is widely respected for engineering high-quality light control systems that deliver the right ambience for a hotel property. At Lutron, the goal always has been to provide the most appropriate light control solutions for single guestrooms or entire properties—whether new construction or those undergoing renovation. Lutron control solutions save a significant amount of energy, and can assist a building in receiving up to 20 points in four out of five categories required for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED-NC) certification.
For more information, go to www.lutron.com, call Jon Gensler, strategic account manager, at (610) 282-7580, or e-mail him at jgensler@lutron.com.
Orbeco is a producer of natural cleaning products for surfaces, flooring and carpeting. The company’s mission is to keep hotel properties as clean as possible—naturally. Orbeco believes it is important to create a safe work environment for housekeepers as well as a healthier environment for guests by using non-toxic, efficient cleaning products. Orbeco’s products include Evolut-ION floor/surface cleaner, carpet cleaner, carpet odor neutralizer, and spotter. Go to www.orbeco.net, call (415) 292-7749, or e-mail pierre@orbeco.net.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
