[P2assist] September Workshop Focuses on Ways North Carolina's Hospitality I ndustry Can Profit Through Efficiency

[Diana Kees]

ASHEVILLE - A conference designed to demonstrate the economic benefits of
waste and efficiency improvements in the hospitality industry is slated for
Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Asheville's Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. The one-day
conference will provide training on the business returns of environmental
stewardship initiatives including: utility cost-reduction strategies,
recycling programs, linen reuse, indoor air quality, and green purchasing. 

"We've shown area hotels how to save thousands of dollars through water and
energy efficiency improvements - without sacrificing comfort to their
guests," said Terry Albrecht, director of Waste Reduction Partners (WRP),
which is sponsoring the conference in collaboration with the N.C. Division
of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA), the
Land-of-Sky Regional Council, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Carolina Recycling Association. Albrecht said the conference has attracted
national experts to share their expertise, including the president of the
Green Hotels Association.

"Being environmentally progressive has improved our bottom line," states
Michael Kryzanek, manager of the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort.

Personnel from hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, resorts and other lodging
establishments are encouraged to attend. The conference has tracks for both
hotel/motel managers and maintenance staff.  For registration information,
contact Linda Herrera or Don Hollister at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council -
(828) 251-6622 or www.landofsky.org <http://www.landofsky.org>.   A $35
registration fee covers all conference materials, lunch and refreshments. 

WRP is a team of highly experienced volunteer engineers, architects and
scientists that provides western North Carolina businesses with no-cost
waste and energy reduction assessments.  DPPEA provides free, non-regulatory
technical assistance and education on methods to eliminate, reduce or
recycle wastes before they become pollutants or require disposal.

****************************
Diana Kees
Public Information Officer/
Communications Specialist
N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Div. of Pollution Prevention and Environmental
  Assistance
1639 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1639
(919) 715-6515/6500
diana.kees@ncmail.net 
www.p2pays.org