PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—Newmarket International, Inc., a leader in sales and catering solutions for the hospitality industry, announced the ground breaking on a new building for which it will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It will be the first commercial building with this environmental certification in Portsmouth, N.H. Being developed by Two International Group, the building is located at the Pease International Tradeport. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Originating more than 2000 years ago, the neem tree has been trusted for centuries for its natural antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties. Today, bedding manufacturer and marketer United Feather & Down has partnered with the PRONEEM company to bring the benefits of this ancient plant to luxury bedding for the first time. Unlike many other treatments, which are chemical pesticides, PRONEEM is nontoxic and dermatologist-tested to be hypoallergenic and long-lasting, a perfect solution for those looking for powerful, all-natural protection from bacteria and dust mites. Its power comes from neem extract, which has been recognized for years...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes CMMI as a Green Product Directory partner. As a provider of architecture and interior design services, CMMI focuses exclusively on upscale lodging, conferencing, spa and ancillary facilities. The Atlanta-based company’s portfolio includes Fairmont, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Kimpton, Marriott, Regent, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood properties. CMMI has completed two LEED gold facilities, and has four green hotel projects underway. Call (770) 676-7608, go to www.cmmi-redlines.com, or e-mail pmccue@cmmi-redlines.com for more information.

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan Valve Company, a leading manufacturer of water-conserving plumbing systems, is a platinum sponsor of Greenbuild 2007, the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, taking place November 7 to 9 at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Sloan will introduce six new products at Greenbuild, adding to its established line of energy- and water-efficient restroom solutions. “Water is the most precious natural resource in the world,” says Jim Allen, manager of Sloan’s water-efficiency division and a LEED-accredited professional. “Being a Platinum sponsor of Greenbuild shows our commitment to providing outstanding products that deliver on the promise...

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.—Cali Bamboo, the company committed to saving the planet one customer at a time, announced the opening of a distribution center in Philadelphia to service growing demand on the East Coast for bamboo products. The new distribution center, located hours from major markets in New York, Canada and the entire Eastern Seaboard, will enable Cali Bamboo to grow its business, reduce its carbon footprint, and expand the firm’s growth with contractors, builders and architects on both coasts. Previously, orders from the eastern half of the country or up to Canada were taking seven to 10 days for...

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIF.—Projects using Bentley Prince Street carpet will now find it a little easier to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credit, thanks to recently revised U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines. Under the new USGBC guidelines, Bentley Prince Street products that are certified to the stringent “California Gold” standard can now contribute to a LEED Innovation in Design credit. The LEED Innovation in Design Credit provides design teams and projects the opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above LEED requirements. All of Bentley Prince Street’s standard broadloom products are certified to...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Enviro Bath LLC as a Green Product Directory partner. Enviro Bath is a company dedicated to being green. Its product line consists of water-conserving sensor faucets, and sinks cast from solid recycled metal. All Enviro Bath products are cast from salvaged brass, aluminum and various other alloys. Enviro Bath offers numerous original finishes and unique designs. Enviro Bath product is made here in the United States and the company welcomes custom projects. Go to Enviro Bath, write to joe@elitebath.net, or call (866)-701-2284, for more information.

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its second case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Best Western Executive Inn and Best Western Loyal Inn, both in Seattle, and how they have successfully implemented Upland, Calif.-based Green Suites International’s EcoRoom® program. EcoRooms® feature more than a dozen different environmental products. They include: compact fluorescent light bulbs; low-flow showerheads and sink faucets; nightlights; digital thermostats; non-toxic cleaning chemicals; Nature’s Mist deodorizer; a linen reuse program; and lotion and liquid soap products dispensed from refillable containers in the shower and at the sink. A pre-installation analysis...

TRYON, N.C.—Ozone Water Technologies, Inc. announced that its president and founder, Jim Gross, will be participating in an exclusive four-member panel to discuss various green initiative topics. He was invited by The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the largest global luxury hotel brand, and Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit organization specializing in sustainable tourism development, to attend their annual convention in Monte Carlo, Monaco from November 15 to 18. The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and STI recently launched the Leading Green Initiative where guests are able to make a conscious decision toward greener travel by actively...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer Inc., a leader in the manufacture of American-made hand dryers, has introduced two new cover finishes to its line of high-speed XLERATOR hand dryers. The new appliance-grade white thermoset bulk molded compound (BMC) is very resistant to vandalism, while the brushed stainless steel finish XLERATOR delivers a distinct, architectural look to restroom interiors. These new options enhance the already extensive XLERATOR line, which includes traditional white, a fingerprint-resistant graphite cover, chrome plated, and custom colors for specific applications. “Our customers have asked for more finishes for our popular XLERATOR hand dyers, and we’e delivered,” says Denis...