FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc. announces the rollout of a new fabric collection from West Coast designer Thomas Schoos. Schoos’ earthy collection will debut at the Hospitality Design Exposition and Conference in Las Vegas on May 15. The collection will feature approximately 20 different hand-drawn patterns in 20 colorways with complimentary textures. “The FRESH line is a collection combining texture and color with lifestyle,” Schoos said. “Nature, when combined with these elements, is what I used to create the new look and feel of FRESH by Thomas Schoos. I think it’s very important to get this product out. I...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Green Hotel Certification as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Green Hotel Certification offers an independent, on-site and auditor-based certification program for the hospitality industry. Based on internationally recognized documents provided by the United Nations, European Union as well as ISO (9001/14001), the certification concentrates on three areas: Energy and Environment, Corporate Responsibility and Conservation. The online program eliminates paperwork and keeps the property up-to-date at all times. Call (310) 929-7460, e-mail Guido Bauer at gbauer@greenhotelcertification.com, or go to www.greenhotelcertification.com.

LAKEWOOD, OHIO—Hotel managers seeking to minimize the damages and costs of car/column collisions and related liability claims can now get unprecedented protection of both patron vehicles and parking facility structures with the new, recyclable Park Sentry cushioning column protectors. Made from the same high-tech material used in automobile bumpers (ARPRO), Park Sentry is engineered to absorb impact and return to shape again and again. Park Sentry’s edge-to-edge protection is also designed to provide progressive resistance, with soft protection for slight bumps or added resistance when needed to absorb harder collisions. Because vehicles can now safely park very close to column structures, the garage...

CORONA, CALIF.—DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of stone coated steel roofing products, furthers their commitment to the environment with the introduction of a new brochure on sustainability. The new brochure features extensive information about DECRA’s commitment to sustainable building practices and how stone coated steel roofing can positively interact with the environment. Covering the sustainable benefits of a stone coated steel roof, the brochure features an example of environmentally managing existing roofing materials. Other topics discussed are: durability, the recycled content of steel, effects of the product on drinking water, and a synopsis of a study conducted...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—Watt Stopper/Legrand has developed the LS-301 Dimming Photosensor, carefully combining features for optimal performance and ease of installation and use. At the heart of the device is the groundbreaking sliding setpoint control algorithm pioneered by Watt Stopper/Legrand. The LS-301 also employs a handheld setup remote to facilitate quick and convenient commissioning. The sliding setpoint algorithm allows the controller to compensate for the disparate spatial distribution of daylight and electric light. By having two different setpoints for day and night, the target setpoint changes based on the current light level conditions. Additionally, the spectral response of the LS-301’s photodiode...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Albert Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” As a leader in the hospitality industry, Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide is setting an example and influencing others by promoting healthy lifestyles through a 100 percent smoke-free environment. The four most-recent hotel members to join FreshStay’s ranks of more than 3,500 guaranteed smoke-free properties around the United States, Canada and the world, are affiliated with Carlson’s hotel brands. These new members include: Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis; Radisson Hotel Central Dallas; Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown; and Country Inn...

SALT LAKE CITY—Echoflex Solutions Inc., a leading manufacturer of EnOcean-enabled controls, is releasing a self-powered wireless key switch. The one-of-a-kind switch is activated by hotel key cards and not only promises to reduce the cost of powering unoccupied hotel rooms, it also promises to simplify the process of conforming to ASHRAE/IESNA standard 90.1. The standard requires that hotel rooms feature an occupancy-based master control. The self-powered switch generates its own power each time a hotel key card is inserted into or removed from its dock. When guests enter a room, they insert the key card into a docking station. After...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper announced that its six flagship Classic Crest, Classic Linen, Classic Laid, Classic Columns, Classic Cotton and Starwhite Brands are now manufactured carbon neutral. That means the company has reduced its carbon footprint—or net greenhouse gas emissions—associated with the manufacturing of these premium uncoated brands. “Neenah is reinforcing its commitment to reducing climate change,” says Greg Maze, senior brand manager for Neenah Paper. “Manufacturing carbon neutral is part of a growing movement among corporations that are working to reduce greenhouse gases. By doing so, we are also responding to needs of the business world and helping our customers...

MCLEAN, VA.—The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association has signed on to become a 2008 Distribution Partner for The Green Events Source Book. As a distribution partner, HSMAI will be distributing copies of the multimedia resources guide to an estimated 3,000 meeting planners at three upcoming U.S. conferences: Affordable Meetings Mid-America at Chicago’s Navy Pier April 9 to 10; Affordable Meetings West at the Long Beach Convention Center June 11 to 12; and the National Conference and Event Technology Expo in Washington D.C. September 10 to 11, 2008. In addition to exhibiting at the conference, Green Events Source founder Deborah Popely...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Lighting Supply Co. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Lighting Supply Co., Ferndale, Mich., offers more than 6,500 top selling lamps, ballasts, fixtures and dimming systems. Its energy-saving products can reduce operating expenses. Servicing the hospitality industry for 25 years, the company’s sales and customer service staff are industry certified. Call (800) 544-2852, e-mail info@lightingsupply.com, or click here for more information.