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Whether an industry announcement, or a hotel accomplishment, Green Lodging News reports on the most up-to-date news and offers a unique perspective on trends—all with the purpose of making your company more profitable. Got news or a story idea to share? We frequently post contributed articles here. Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
New Dates Set for NRA Show 2012
CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association announced that the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, originally scheduled for May 19 to 22, 2012 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will be held from May 5 to 8, 2012 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. This change reflects the Association’s decision to avoid overlap with the Global G8 and NATO Summit scheduled to take place in Chicago from May 15 to 22, 2012.
“The NRA’s primary goal is to provide our exhibitors and attendees an environment that is conducive to business,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Discussions with the Chicago...
Significant Investment in Solar Paying Off for Owners of Ramada Vineland
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...
Marriott’s Grand Chateau Earns Energy Star Rating
LAS VEGAS—Marriott’s Grand Chateau, located at the center of the Las Vegas Strip, has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. This signifies that the 40-story building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.
“We are thrilled to accept the EPA’s Energy Star in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Tom McCormack, general manager of Marriott’s Grand Chateau. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our ‘Spirit to Preserve’ commitment to the environment while also lowering our energy costs.”
The 427-villa timeshare...
AmericInn Prototype Designed with Energy Efficiency in Mind
MINNEAPOLIS—AmericInn, a leading midscale hotel company, announced that construction has begun on a new brand prototype featuring a contemporary new design that represents the future hospitality concept for this expanding national brand. The new prototype is located in Fairfield, Iowa, and is being developed by long-term AmericInn franchisee Apollo Development, LLC of Minnetonka, Minn. Apollo has previously developed five AmericInn properties located in Illinois, Nebraska and Iowa. The new hotel is expected to open in March 2012 and will be managed by Three Rivers Hospitality, the hotel property management arm of AmericInn, headquartered in Chanhassen, Minn.
“We are very pleased...
Advance Discount Registration Now Open for IHMRS
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Advance registration is now open for the 96th annual International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) and 2nd annual Boutique Design New York, North America’s largest hospitality gathering and showcase of products across all categories. A discounted registration fee of $30 is available through October 7, 2011, with the rate increasing to $50 on October 8. Registration for either show offers admission to both markets. Taking place this November at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, IHMRS and BDNY will collectively present more than 700 hospitality industry suppliers and attract some 30,000 trade attendees.
The $30...
New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are now recognizing products that have earned the Energy Star label that are the most energy efficient in their categories. This pilot program is part of Energy Star’s overall commitment to protect people’s health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency. The “Most Efficient” initiative also continues Energy Star’s work to provide consumers with the best efficiency information so they can make investments that will lower their energy bills and environmental impact. The new designation of Most Efficient aims to provide all manufacturers with an incentive...
George R. Brown Convention Center Earns LEED Silver
HOUSTON—The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) has earned LEED Silver Certification for an existing building. The certification requires the Center to save energy, minimize water usage, reduce CO2 emissions, recycle waste materials, maintain high standards for indoor environmental quality and operate the building as efficiently as possible.
“LEED Silver Certification, along with our solar panels and many other environmental initiatives, demonstrates that large buildings like convention centers can be sustainable and energy efficient,” said David Osterhout, the GRB’s director of operations. “Meeting planners and tradeshow executives are planning green meetings and want their convention center partners to be environmentally...
Resort Owner Gets Out of the Cold, Off the Grid in Panama
BOQUETE, PANAMA—Sometimes the cold weather can be just too much. When Gina Cronin, a Cleveland, Ohio area native had enough of the long northern Ohio winters, she headed south—far south—to the Boquete area of western Panama. After helping to run a successful business and then selling it, she and her business partner at the time decided they not only wanted to move but also start a resort. It took time to find the right property, but now, approximately seven years after the move from the United States, Cronin owns and operates the nine-villa Rancho de Caldera on 50 acres...
Wyndham Releases GRI, Carbon Disclosure Project Reports
PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Since first establishing its sustainability program in 2006, Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, is measuring positive trends in reducing its environmental impact around the globe. The results are reflected in two new sustainability reports released by the company this month— Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) reports, reflecting the strategies, efforts, and results across the company’s diverse businesses.
With a wide and growing range of businesses, Wyndham Worldwide includes Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of properties; Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the world’s largest member-based vacation exchange...
Caesars Entertainment Sponsors Dartmouth Students On Big Green Bus Sustainability Tour
LAS VEGAS—For the third consecutive year, Caesars Entertainment Corp. is sponsoring Dartmouth College’s Big Green Bus tour across America. The converted Greyhound bus, operated by students, will run on recycled waste vegetable oil (WVO) as it travels the country educating individuals on best sustainability practices.
The 11-week, 12,000-mile journey will take the 13 students through 31 states and will make refueling stops at Caesars resorts including Harrah’s New Orleans (July 23), Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino (August 3 in Las Vegas), Harrah’s Rincon Hotel and Casino in North San Diego (August 5), and Cleveland Thistledown (September 3), among other scheduled...