OAK BROOK, ILL.—The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center recently unveiled its Horticultural Gallery. Spearheaded by a new full-time horticulturalist, Karen Paquin, the sustainable ecology program officially kicked off on Earth Day, April 22. Unlike a typical art gallery, the Horticultural Gallery at Oak Brook Hills, an IACC Green Star/Gold Status property, presents a cutting-edge array of eco-friendly initiatives happening outdoors in real time, headlined by the resort’s groundbreaking beekeeping program. The Horticultural Gallery is open to everyone to enjoy and tour—from individual guests to client groups. Paquin, who has been trailblazing in San Francisco’s progressive horticulture...

VERNON HILLS, ILL.—With the introduction of Meridian from Scotsman, foodservice operations now have a choice that incorporates the latest in ice- and water-dispensing technology. Meridian was developed with space, production and installation in mind and offers reliability, time-saving serviceability and convenient cleaning innovations in one all-new lineup.In addition to improving its ice- and water-dispensing equipment, Scotsman has optimized its popular nugget ice form. Meridian units will produce the new H2Nugget ice form which is easier to dispense while still being the softest, most chewable ice on the market. Additionally, the units’ large dispensing area offers more room for cups,...

TAMPA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Tampa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added a Laundrylux case study to its website. The case study focuses on the Super 8 Ukiah and details owner Raakesh Patel’s decision to go with Electrolux washers with no upfront costs. There are no such costs because Patel opted for Laundrylux’s PLUS (Professional Laundry Utility Service) where he simply uses the equipment as needed and pays only for that usage. PLUS laundering becomes a utility service—just like water, gas, and electricity. Like any utility, one only pays for PLUS when it is used. There is no...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire American Dryer Corp. (ADC), a privately held company that manufactures and markets coin-operated, on-premise, industrial and specialty laundry equipment. The planned acquisition gives Whirlpool’s commercial laundry business a platform to reach new markets and channels, while building on a strong foundation of innovation, quality, and service.     “Acquiring ADC strengthens our commitment to the commercial laundry industry and is aligned to our objectives of driving growth in adjacent businesses,” stated Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool Corp. Chairman and CEO. “We believe this acquisition nicely complements our leadership position in the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Throwing out food scraps and leftovers hardly seems controversial until you consider the stats: Some 870 million people, one-in-eight on Earth, go to bed hungry every night, notes the World Food Programme. Shortly after taking his post, Pope Francis took this issue to heart and to the public to mark the U.N.’s 2013 World Environment Day, noting “throwing away food is like stealing from the table of the poor and hungry.” The Pope’s remarks are made all the more poignant by a U.S. Department of Agriculture report estimating that 31 percent, or 133 billion pounds, of food available for...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide announced an initial three-year commitment with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce its impact on the environment. As Hilton’s signature environmental partner, WWF will work with the company to evolve its global business practices. The collaboration also will further WWF’s mission to protect and conserve the Earth’s life-supporting resources by making the hospitality industry more sustainable.Hilton Worldwide properties around the world already contribute to the company’s waste reduction and water conservation targets through thousands of on-property projects. The collaboration with WWF builds on existing efforts in these areas and leverages the company’s initial work on sustainable...

PHOENIX—After years spent working in the automotive and aerospace industries, Ray DelMuro quit his job and set out to combine his passions for engineering and art. Now, DelMuro and his business Refresh Glass, which creates products from recycled wine bottles, is getting national attention from Deluxe Corp. and its Small Business Revolution documentary project. The Small Business Revolution, which also features “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec, is a yearlong campaign that celebrates the vibrancy, variety and community impact of small businesses all across the country. Its latest story is a photo essay profiling Refresh Glass, one of 100 profiles...

NATIONAL REPORT—At last month’s Clean Show in Atlanta, Ralph Daniels, President and CEO, Aquawing Ozone Injection Systems (AWOIS), thought about all of the ozone laundry companies that have exhibited at the show over the years—companies that, in many cases, are no longer in business. “The ones that have survived are the ones that offer local support,” Daniels says. “That is the key in hospitality.”AWOIS, and a handful of other companies like it, have stayed around because they offer not only local support but proven systems that can dramatically add efficiencies to laundry operations. By adding ozone to the laundering...

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Xeros, the innovator of an ultra-low water laundry system, announced that it is now offering high performance dryers with shorter dry times to work in conjunction with its award winning polymer bead laundry system and Xeros Sbeadycare laundry management program. Xeros showcased the new dryers at The Clean Show 2015.Two new high performance 80 and 120lb OPL dryers will be offered, and both provide high performance efficiencies, optimized energy use, shorter dry times, and safer, more reliable operation. Features include: •    Inverter system to ensure soft starts with less wear on the motor and belts; •    Fire suppression system...

MORRIS, CONN.—Crusaders for food as authentically fresh as it is refined will experience just that at the newly rebranded Winvian Farm, which is emerging as the East Coast’s preeminent farm-resort, when it comes to exceptional, organic, non-GMO cuisine.Winvian Farm is once again home to a working farm (the original farm dates to the 1700s) thanks to the efforts of Executive Chef Chris Eddy and proprietor, Margaret Smith, whose passion for healthy eating and earth-to-table menus inspired the re-creation of the farm. Chef describes his culinary style as “food with a conscience,” which is evident in every bite.Winvian Farm houses...