NEW YORK—From its inaugural Women’s Ownership Works or WOW Summit at the Courtyard/Residence Inn Manhattan Central Park, Marriott International will announce plans to have 1,000 or 25 percent of its existing global hotel portfolio owned by diverse owners, including women, by 2020. The WOW Summit brings together a small group of current women hotel owners with women exploring hotel development as part of their investment approach.“We have always had a culture of inclusiveness and want everyone to be aware of the opportunity to own hotels as an investment strategy that also has community benefit,” said Julius W. Robinson, Marriott...

TOANO, VA.—Lumber Liquidators, the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, has launched a new section of its website, detailing the company’s longstanding commitment to protect the environment. The original content is rooted in the company’s “Lay It Forward” business strategy, which centers on the long-term benefits of quality hardwood flooring, protecting the environment and supporting the communities it serves.“Lumber Liquidators aims to be the industry leader in sustainability because it’s good for the environment, and because it’s good for the future of our business,” said Robert M. Lynch, President and CEO. “Delivering top-quality hardwood floors for...

BRANSON, MO.—The Branson Convention Center recently launched a task force of employees to investigate how the facility could lessen its environmental impact through green initiatives. After several months of research and planning the task force has begun implementing their recommendations with a new sustainability plan.“SMG has a long history worldwide of conducting business with a focus on being environmentally friendly,” said Branson Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin. “When SMG transitioned into the management role with the Convention Center we knew launching this task force would be one of our first priorities.”The initiatives of the Branson Convention Center’s sustainability...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment Corp. issued its fifth annual Corporate Citizenship Report, entitled “Serious Play.” Caesars has long been committed to being a positive corporate citizen that contributes to improving the economic, social and environmental quality of life wherever it operates. Caesars’ mission—inspiring grown-ups to play responsibly—is described in its latest citizenship report, which showcases the company’s positive impacts on society and the environment in 2013 and early 2014.Caesars tracks its corporate citizenship progress in areas including Responsible Gaming, Employee Development, Environmental Stewardship and Community Investment Performance. The latest report details the company's impact in 2013 and also provides more...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—MGM Resorts International received the Alliance to Save Energy’s highest honor, the Galaxy Star of Energy Efficiency Award at a special awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.. Each year, the Star of Energy Efficiency Awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, government programs and learning institutions that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.Secretary Alexis Herman, a member of the company’s Board of Directors and the Chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the company. MGM Resorts was honored for...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—This Saturday, thousands of Vail Resorts, Inc. employees will gather to complete 13 trail, habitat or school restoration projects across the United States and in Jamaica to commemorate Vail Resorts’ newly launched EpicPromise, a new brand platform designed to engage resort guests and residents of the communities where it operates in one of the company’s core values, “Do good.”Over the last five years, Vail Resorts has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through environmental and community support, including: •    Over $7 million in contributions to more than 235 nonprofit partners annually. •    Energy reduction of 10 percent and a...

VANTAA, FINLAND—Vancouver, B.C.-based Water Wall Turbine Inc. (WWT) has selected The Switch to provide a 500 kW full-power converter for its innovative self-floating power plant. This new commercially viable system extracts potential and kinetic energy from large, fast moving water currents for conversion into electric energy.The Switch will supply its first 500 kW full-power converter in October 2014 for WWT’s prototype project, which will be used for the Dent Island Resort, near Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. System testing of the integrated equipment is planned for the first quarter of 2015.The vessel will power...

BURBANK, CALIF.—The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF)—Disney’s granting program focused on protecting wildlife and connecting kids and families with nature—has announced its 2014 conservation grant recipients.This year, $3.5 million in grants will benefit wildlife and habitats spanning five continents—from African lions in Tanzania and elephants in China to giant armadillos in Brazil and monk seals in Hawaii.“For nearly two decades, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has supported crucial work to address threats that face wildlife, critical habitats and the communities that depend upon them,” said Beth Stevens, Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, Environment & Conservation. “As we seek...

LAS VEGAS—Approximately one month remains until the second annual Lodging Green & Sustainability Conference & Expo. The event will be held Tuesday, October 28 through Thursday, October 30 at the LEED Gold and Green Key certified ARIA Resort & Casino. The event, with about 50 speakers and 40 exhibitors, will feature many educational and networking opportunities. If you have not yet registered for the Lodging Green & Sustainability Conference & Expo, contact Alisha Allen at Lodging Magazine at (215) 321-9662, ext. 62, or by e-mail at aallen@lodgingmagazine.com. Mention Green Lodging News and receive $100 off of the $495 registration...

WASHINGTON—The National Restaurant Association unveiled new research that shows a substantial number of operators are implementing sustainability best practices into their businesses. The survey of 1,000 full-service and quick-service operators found that nearly three quarters of operators recycled used fryer oil, fats and grease. More than six in 10 recycled their cardboard and paper, used compact fluorescent lighting and bought products made of recycled materials. About three in 10 installed faucet aerators to conserve water.“More operators are looking at ways to increase efficiency—environmentally and fiscally,” said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, National Restaurant Association. “Restaurateurs...