Press Release - July 9, 2009

ALL NINE WHITE LODGING FLORIDA HOTELS RECEIVE FLORIDA GREEN LODGING PROGRAM DESIGNATION

Environmentally Friendly Hotels Conserve Resources, Save Money and Attract Customers

MERRILLVILLE, IN   (July 9, 2009) – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed all nine of the White Lodging Florida properties to the Florida Green Lodging Program earlier this week. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida’s environment,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director, Deas Bohn.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures, a linen and towel reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters. The program encourages hotels to think about new ways to manage their facility and identify ways to reduce their environmental impact.

“Overall this experience has been great and eye opening for two reasons: The first is realizing that many of White Lodging’s standard operating procedures put us in line for a smooth transition into the Florida Palm 1 Certification,” said Schelby Betz, Director of Sales for the Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West. “The second is recognizing how much further we all can go as Green ambassadors to help protect the future of this planet.”

The White Lodging Florida portfolio consists of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Key West, Residence Inn and Courtyard in Miramar, Residence Inn and Renaissance in Plantation, and the Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites, Courtyard and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tampa/Brandon.

For more information about hotel operations job opportunities or hotel management careers with White Lodging, please visit careers.whitelodging.com or call 219-769-3267.

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