SEATTLE—The Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association (WSH&LA) recently selected a consulting team led by Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. of Seattle as its professional partner to launch its Greening Washington’s Lodging Industry Program. This project is funded by a $53,000 Public Participation Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. WSH&LA’s grant application was one of only 13 grants funded by Ecology in 2009. Of 100 grants submitted, WSH&LA’s earned the fourth highest overall score. Ecology noted this was a “very impressive feat given incredibly fierce competition.”
Grant funds will be used to launch pilot projects with select hotels and provide educational workshops and resources to hotels across the state throughout the year. WSH&LA will select two hospitality firms to participate in the pilot. These firms will receive free consulting assistance to implement new environmental practices, measure, and market their successes. Open houses and workshops will be held to showcase the hotels’ efforts, and will feature industry professionals, green suppliers, and valuable resources, sharing the results and lessons learned with industry peers, guests, and the public.
“These new programs will help our members save money, maximize marketing opportunities, and capture new business, while being better environmental stewards in their local communities,” says Gerry Link, CHA, general manager, Vancouver Hilton, and WSH&LA board and green team member.
“We know of no other state lodging association that has received a government grant of this type and we are honored and excited to assist our members in greening their properties and Washington’s lodging industry,” says Jan Simon Aridj, WSH&LA president and CEO.
“We are confident that Cascadia brings unmatched resources and expertise in green lodging to WSH&LA and its members,” added Paula Helsel, CHA, general manager, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, and WSH&LA board and green team member.
The consultant team also includes two other key partners: MeetGreen, an internationally-recognized green meeting consultancy, and Colehour+Cohen, a Seattle-based public relations and communications firm. Cascadia will work in partnership with WSH&LA, its green team, and other industry partners to launch this new program across the state.
