FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, a supplier of decorative textiles to the hospitality industry, announced the appointment of Andrew Mahoney as executive vice president. Mahoney will report directly to co-presidents Diana and Michael Dobin and will play a pivotal roll in running Valley Forge’s business. “Andy brings tremendous experience and value having streamlined medium and large businesses, measurably increasing efficiencies,” says Diana Dobin. “As Valley Forge continues to grow, we will look to Andy to bring a FRESH outside approach and apply his unique perspective to our organization.” “Andy’s experience will enhance our business while his unique energy and drive will...

RIPON, WIS.—UniMac, a manufacturer of on-premises laundry equipment, announces the launch of its redesigned UC Series hardmount washer-extractors. The washer-extractor series offers supreme efficiency, helping on-premises laundries reduce operating costs and increase throughput. Using newly developed, advanced technology, the UC Series now uses 33 percent less electricity than two-speed models and 11 percent less water on average than previous models. The utility reductions are due to UniMac’s proprietary advanced inverter drive technology and minimized sump design that optimizes the cylinder water, which also maximizes cleaning results. The machines achieve an extraction speed of up to 200 G-Force, which removes...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Westin Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership with ElliptiGO, creator of the world’s first outdoor elliptical cycle, that will offer guests a new, innovative device to help them stay healthy and fit when away from home. Just in time for summer, guests at participating properties can rent the $2,500 ElliptiGO 8C as part of their daily workout routine and take in the local sights for an average rental fee of $10. Properties participating in the pilot program that will run throughout the summer include The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa,...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—Concept Amenities, a provider of environmentally responsible guest bath amenities, has established an independent charity known as Soap Aid. Aimed at saving millions of lives worldwide, Soap Aid will address one of the most critical needs facing our planet today—the lack of soap in third world countries—resulting in millions of unnecessary deaths; more often children.Concept Amenities plans to unveil this ambitious humanitarian effort during a luncheon for hospitality leaders at the 12th Annual Australia, New Zealand, & Pacific Hotel Industry Conference (ANZPHIC) July 25 to 27 at the Hilton Sydney.“Across the globe, 2.6 billion impoverished people lack adequate...

JUPITER, FLA.—Fresh-Aire UV, manufacturer of the original 24-Volt Blue-Tube UV and the APCO in-duct air purifiers, introduces the Tubular Rack UV System (TRS), a germicidal ultra-violet (UV) light IAQ product. The low-cost TRS is designed for effective microbial disinfection in new construction and retrofit IAQ industrial and commercial applications.Designed for on-site configuration with all major brands and sizes of HVAC equipment, the TRS disinfects interior wall surfaces, coils and the supply airstream of air handlers. The kit consists of a lifetime-warranty multi-voltage power supply, Fresh-Aire UV’s UV lamps and all the necessary installation bracketing, mounting hardware and marine-grade, waterproof...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—The Energex energy management system is delivering significant savings to Delta Whistler Village Suites, Energex reports, solving the problem of heating and cooling systems running at full blast while guests are out of their rooms. Between March 2011 and March 2012 the system led to a decrease of 18 percent in natural gas usage for heating and cooling.The 391 rooms at the resort were retrofitted with the Energex system in February 2011. A sensor was installed in each room that switches the heating/cooling system into conservation mode when the room is unoccupied, saving thousands of dollars in wasted...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes YesterTec Design Co. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. YesterTec’s unique armoire styled mini-kitchens and hospitality centers can transform a standard room design into a multifunctional space. When the bi-fold doors of the mini-kitchen are open they slide into pockets out of the way, activating the power for the oven and cooktop. Hospitality Centers are very similar to working pantries, except that they typically include a sink, refrigerator and small microwave. Other plug-in small appliances like single burner cooktops, toaster ovens, blenders etc. can add...

CALGARY, ALBERTA—Custom Amenities Inc. recently introduced the newest addition to their in-stock guest amenity lineup—ECO Sciences. ECO Sciences consists of biodegradable bottles, crafted vegetable soaps and several sundry items that have been manufactured under strict environmental practices and use the latest in green technology.“All of our ECO Sciences bottles are now being manufactured with an additive that makes them biodegrade in land, on land or in water,” says Peter C. Hansum, Custom Amenities Inc.By Partnering with MFG, Custom Amenities can now offer a bottle that once disposed of, will biodegrade in nine months to five years when disposed of...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Lodging Technology as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Lodging Technology is the originator of infrared sensor-based energy conservation, and has been serving the lodging industry for more than 30 years. The company’s products reduce guestroom energy expense 35 percent to 45 percent by automatically resetting room temperature to an energy conserving level, pre-selected by the hotel, only while guests are out of the room. The systems are available in both wireless (GEM Link®) and hard-wired (GEM System®) versions, and can connect to any HVAC system...

DELAVAN, WIS.—GreenBuildTV (GBTV) announces the launch of their new website; a user-friendly portal, providing green-minded builders and consumers with a variety of innovative products, systems and building concepts. With a hands-on approach, visitors to the site will be able to explore various projects, following every step of the building process through detailed documentation via videos, journals and photos.GBTV’s first foray into commercial projects is the innovative Green Leaf Inn, the first net zero energy hotel being built in North America. Visitors can join the journey—learn about the installation of a metal roof, find out about their state-of-the art aerobic...