Archive for May, 2010

Thermo Fluids Names New South Central Regional Manager

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 18, 2010) – Thermo Fluids, Inc., a known leader in the United States environmental services and oil recycling industry, has appointed Scott Eddings as its south central regional manager. As regional manager, he is responsible for sales and operational activities in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Eddings has worked in the oil recycling industry for nearly 15 years, most recently as the facilities and oil operations director at Safety Kleen Systems, Inc. As Safety Kleen’s facilities director, Eddings was responsible for six processing plants that recycled 30 million gallons of oil per year.  He also led the design and construction of a large oil recycling and dehydration plant in Baton Rouge, La.

“Eddings will be instrumental in growing Thermo Fluids’ presence in the region,” said James Devlin, Thermo Fluids’ chief executive officer. “His knowledge of the industry and commitment to upholding our outstanding environmental record will serve both our current and new clients well.”

About Thermo Fluids
Thermo Fluids Inc., a closely held portfolio company of CIVC Partners, is an environmental services company and the largest producer of commercial fuel oil from recovered used motor oil in the Western United States. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., the company collects and purchases used motor oil from a large number of companies across a diverse range of industries, such as quick-lube centers, auto dealerships, mining operations, and industrial companies. In addition to collecting used motor oil, the company provides a portfolio of environmental services as a “one-stop” solution to its customers. These other essential services include oily wastewater collection and processing, spent antifreeze collection and recycling, and used oil filter collection and disposal. Thermo Fluids reprocesses and recycles its collected used motor oil into a commercial fuel product that is sold as an alternative energy source to a variety of industrial customers. Thermo Fluids has 29 facilities serving the Western United States. For more information, visit www.thermofluids.com.

SUNDT BREAKS GROUND ON MAMMOTH LAKES COURTHOUSE

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Construction launches on new courthouse for the Superior Court of Mono County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 18, 2010) – Last Friday, May 14, Sundt Construction, Inc. broke ground on the new Mammoth Lakes Courthouse for the Superior Court of Mono County. The ground-breaking ceremony for the $21.5 million facility was held at the construction site, located on a 1.8-acre parcel at the intersection of Highway 203 (Main Street) and Sierra Park Road in Mammoth Lakes, in an area planned to be a new government center.

The ground-breaking event featured a reception and remarks by Presiding Judge Stanley L. Eller of the Superior Court of Mono County; former Presiding Judge Edward Forstenzer (Ret.); Court Executive Officer Hector Gonzalez; Mayor pro Tem John Eastman, Town of Mammoth Lakes; and Director Lee Willoughby, Office of Court Construction and Management, Administrative Office of the Courts, which is managing the project.

Sundt is the construction manager at risk, and Mark Cavagnero Associates is the architect of record.

 “We’re excited not only because the new courthouse will be a beautiful building,” said Mayor pro Tem John Eastman, “but because we will finally have a courthouse to serve the needs of the Superior Court of Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes for years to come.”

The new courthouse, for which design and planning were four years in the making, will measure 20,000 square feet and feature two courtrooms. The facility will become the permanent home for the court’s South County Branch, replacing inadequate leased space in a Mammoth Lakes shopping center. The new courthouse will provide improved space for current services, space for new judicial services, and improved security and access to court services.

“The Mammoth Lakes Courthouse is the third project that Sundt has done with the Administrative Office of the Courts,” said Cody Pearson, Sundt senior vice president. “We have a good relationship with the other project teams, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with them on this project and to building a new courthouse that will successfully serve the needs of the community.”

The Mammoth Lakes Courthouse is set for completion in summer 2011. Once finished, the project will be submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED Silver certification. To learn more about the project or to obtain renderings, please visit http://bit.ly/mammoth-lakes-courthouse.

In addition to the Mammoth Lakes Courthouse, Sundt’s other Northern California projects include the East Contra Costa County Courthouse in Pittsburg, as well as the historical renovation of the UC – Berkeley Clark Kerr Campus. To learn more about Sundt and its projects, visit www.sundt.com.

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About Sundt

Sundt Construction, Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors, with offices in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. Known nationally for its innovative approach to construction services, the firm is currently ranked the 54th largest construction company in the United States by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine. www.sundt.com

KIMPTON’S FIRESKY INTRODUCES SUMMER PACKAGES WITH SAVINGS AND SIZZLE

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Scottsdale resort offers cool deals that wow and woo business and leisure travelers and their wallets

 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 14, 2010) – Summer in the desert is hot, hot, hot – which is why the season features a bevy of really cool deals. Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa, Arizona’s first and only Green Seal certified hotel, has introduced unbeatable offerings for both leisure and business travelers looking for a sunny escape. Below are details on wonderful and budget-friendly summertime specials available at this Scottsdale resort, restaurant and spa.

HOT DEALS, COOL PACKAGES: LEISURE  
Mother/Daughter Sweet Escape at Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa

Calling all mothers and daughters! Get out of town – or just get out of the house – and settle into Old Town Scottsdale for an all-girls sweet escape that’s nearby to-do’s and happenings. From $89 per night from June through September. Rate Code: PMOM 

  • Catch-up cocktails (two free drinks during your stay)
  • Complimentary dessert anytime and every time you dine at Taggia, the on-site restaurant
  • Coupon book for shopping at Fashion Square Mall and beyond
  • 25% discount at Jurlique Spa 

Tee It Up Golf Package

This package’s unlimited golf is what-putt perfection for guests who are gaga for greens. Between rounds and tee times, duffers can retreat to FireSky to relax, rest up and rejuvenate. From $185 from June through September. Rate code: PGOL

  • Unlimited Golf for two
  • Sleeve of balls
  • Flight of beer   

Military: We Salute You!

Hail to the red, white and blue! FireSky honors American troops with a package whose offerings and discounts serve the men and women serving our country. From $99 from June through September.
Rate Code: PMIL

  • Welcome bottle of wine
  • Free appetizer and dessert w/ purchase of dinner for two
  • 25% discount at Jurlique Spa 

Summer of Pride Package

It’s the Fourth Annual Summer of Pride! This year’s package offers playful perks to pique the interest of LGBT travelers who seek a sunny summer getaway.  From $93 from May 6 through September 5. Rate Code: PRIDE

  • Deluxe overnight accommodations
  • 15 percent off the best available rate
  • $25 dining credit to be used at the on-site Taggia restaurant, every day of the stay
  • Pride themed welcome gift at check-in (exclusive Kimpton rainbow duck, complimentary issue of the Pride edition of The Advocate magazine) 

$92 and a Round of Brew

Get out of town, check in, pop a top and relax at FireSky Resort & Spa. Hang in your room, lounge by the pool or head to nearby Old Town to eat, drink, explore the arts and experience the night life. From $92 from June through September. Rate Code: BREW

  • Free round of beers (four) at Taggia
  • Patio accommodations 

HOT DEALS, COOL PACKAGES: BUSINESS

Meet. Eat. Retreat.

Take your business out of town or simply beyond the office with great summertime meeting rates at FireSky. Rooms from $89 with breakfast for $1 more, from May 23 to September 9. Guests may also pick any two of the following perks:

  • Complimentary one-hour reception
  • Group welcome amenity
  • Gift certificate for a two-night stay
  • 25% discount on SWANK audio visual
  • 7% discount on your master bill
  • $2 per room night donation to Haiti relief  
     

ABOUT FIRESKY RESORT & SPA  
A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, FireSky Resort & Spa artfully blends the casual elegance of its downtown Scottsdale location with the stark appeal of its desert setting. The resort’s story is one of the elements - conveyed by seamless indoor/outdoor connections, lush landscaping, expansive water features and lounging spaces with hearths and fire pits. The property, which is the first Green Seal certified hotel in Arizona, features 204 guest rooms and suites stretching 400 to 800 square feet, each of which boasts a private patio or patio that overlooks the colorful grounds and swimming pools. Resort amenities include approximately 14,000 square feet of customizable multi-use space across 13 meeting rooms for social gatherings and business events. Additional highlights include Taggia, the on-site restaurant featuring authentic coastal Italian cuisine, and Jurlique Spa, a soothing and organic retreat in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. http://www.fireskyresort.com

 ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are the LEED certified Hotel Palomar and LEED certified Square 1682 restaurant by Chef Guillermo Tellez in Philadelphia, PA, which opened in September 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City and Chicago. For more information, please visit http://www.kimptonhotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

ARIZONA RESTAURANT WEEK 2010 – CALENDAR LISTING

Friday, May 14th, 2010
  Overview: Arizona Restaurant Week returns September 18-26.  This annual event offers residents and visitors the chance to taste some of Arizona’s finest at a special price at more than 100 of the state’s best restaurants.  Participating restaurants offer three-course meals, showcasing signature dishes by some of the top chefs, at a value price of $29 per person or $39 per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.  For more information or to make reservations please visit www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com.  Follow updates on Twitter at @azrestaurantwk.

 

  When: Saturday, September 18 through Sunday, September 26, 2010

 

Price: New for 2010, restaurants will choose from price points of $29 or $39 per person. Some restaurants may choose to include a drink with their price point, which will be indicated on the web site.  The two price points do not include drinks, tax or tip. 

 

Gluten Free Menus: New for 2010, restaurants will have the ability to showcase gluten free menu options.  These menus will be noted on the web site with a special icon.

 

Participating Restaurants: Continue to check the web site for restaurant participants.
Event Sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau

Arizona Restaurant Association

Fox Restaurant Concepts

Olson Communications, Inc.

Open Table

Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau

Arizona Republic

Azcentral.com

KEZ- 99.9 FM

Phoenix Magazine

 

Together the groups aim to showcase the breadth and quality of restaurants in the Phoenix metro area to locals and visitors, as well as position Arizona as one of the top restaurant and food destinations in the nation. 

Reservations: For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com.
       

 

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Bert Levesque Joins Sundt Construction as Project Director of Southern California Region

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

SAN DIEGO. – Bert Levesque joined Sundt Construction, Inc. as project director for the Southern California District. In this new role, Levesque is responsible for the overall administration and execution of construction projects. He will work to establish the objectives, parameters and performance standards that help ensure Sundt’s abilities to exceed expectations and meet the needs of clients.

Levesque has been in the construction industry for more than 20 years, with 15 years experience in design-build projects with highly complex schedules and values ranging from $10 million to $400 million. Before joining Sundt, Levesque spent 14 years with Opus West Construction Corporation, starting as an assistant project manager and working his way up to director of construction. He signed on with Sundt to assist in the geographic expansion of the Southern California District division, and he will be concentrating on tracking projects in Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Bert Levesque

Bert Levesque

“Bert’s experience handling such high-caliber construction projects made him a perfect fit for our company,” said Jon Wald, executive vice president of Sundt Construction Southern California. “We are fortunate to have him on our staff, and we look forward to seeing his work.”

“I was fortunate enough to have options when I left Opus West,” said Levesque. “I chose Sundt because of the quality of people, company ethics, project diversity and the company’s commitment to its employees and the Southern California region.”

Levesque is a member of the Design-Build Institute of America and the Arizona State University Alumni Association. Levesque served the project leader for three habitat homes for Habitat for Humanity and holds a degree in construction management from Arizona State University.

Sundt Hires New Business Development Representative

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

TEMPE, Ariz. – Sundt Construction, Inc. hired Melanie McCargar, LEED AP as business development representative for the Heavy Civil Division. In this position, she will work directly with the pre-construction team and area managers to identify project opportunities and build lasting client relationships within the Southwest District.

McCargar’s career began in interior design while a student in high school and developed into positions at such local firms as Est Est. inc. in Scottsdale. Those experiences spurred her to pursue work marketing architectural services at Serbin Studio and Deutsch Architecture Group in Phoenix, where she served as marketing manager. In 2004, she joined her first general contractor, Haydon Building Corp, where she helped develop the 250-employee company’s first marketing department. At Haydon, Melanie managed the strategy and production of negotiated project pursuits and enjoyed working in both building and heavy civil construction.

“Melanie’s dedication to the industry and her trade is invaluable,” said Cade Rowley, business development manager for Sundt Construction. “Her extensive knowledge, career experience and passion to stay a step ahead of industry trends make her a strong asset to the Sundt family.”

As a member of the Construction Management Association of America, McCargar served as the program chair for the Arizona chapter for two years and continues to play an active role in the organization. She also focuses on APDM and best industry practices through participation in the Associated General Contractors, Alliance for Construction Excellence and Valley Partnership. McCargar has a bachelor of science degree in interior architecture from Arizona State University.

About Sundt
Sundt Construction, Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The firm is headquartered in Tempe, and is currently ranked the 55th largest construction company in the United States by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine. Sundt is known nationally for its innovative approach to construction services. www.sundt.com

SUNDT EXPANDS TEXAS OPERATIONS WITH OPENING OF SAN ANTONIO OFFICE

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

With multiple projects underway and over 40 years of project work in Texas, Sundt establishes new office

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Sundt Construction, Inc. has expanded its operations, opening an office in San Antonio, Texas. Although the office is new, Sundt is no newcomer to the Texas market. The company’s expansion comes on the heels of 40 years and $1 billion of project work throughout the Lone Star State, as well as multiple projects underway worth approximately $450 million at the following military installations in Texas: Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio; Fort Bliss in El Paso; and Fort Hood in Killeen.

Sundt has had an office in Dallas for many years, and completed work on one of the city’s landmark projects, Reunion Tower, which is a prominent feature and the 15th tallest building in the Dallas skyline.

John Carlson

John Carlson

“In light of our past and present project work, as well as the state’s growth rate, it made perfect sense for Sundt to grow its Texas team,” said Senior Vice President and Texas District Manager John Carlson, DBIA, who was promoted to lead the San Antonio office.

“Based on the research we’ve conducted and the projects we have underway, San Antonio was our first choice because of its strong business climate and the quality of life it offers,” Carlson added. “San Antonio is also the
No. 1 metro economy in the country according to Business Week Magazine.”

Business Week Magazine’s ranking is founded on statistics from the Brookings Institution that are specific to growth, employment and housing prices.

Carlson and the other members of the San Antonio team opened the doors for business on February 8. The new team includes Office Manger Abigail Shaver, a Texas native; Senior Project Manager Bob Aniol, a San Antonio native; and Business Development Representative Amy King, who has 20 years of construction experience in Texas, six of which have been in San Antonio.

“We’re very excited about our team’s depth of industry knowledge and experience in the Texas market,” Carlson said, adding that the San Antonio location will be full-service office, handling building, heavy civil, Federal, industrial and mining, and sustainable and alternate energy projects.

 The following offers a closer look at Sundt’s current Texas projects, whose contracts total approximately $450 million.
Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio:

• Warrior in Transition barracks

 Fort Bliss, El Paso:  

• Warrior in Transition barracks, a facility that assists injured soldiers in their recovery and
   re-integration back into the Army

• Unaccompanied enlisted personnel housing projects (IBCT 1 and 2)

• Tactical equipment main facilities (IBCT 1 and 2)

• Tactical infrastructure

• CAB hot refuel facility

• Tank trails

 Fort Hood, Killeen:

• Warrior in Transition barracks

In addition to the new San Antonio location, Sundt has offices in Tempe and Tucson, Ariz.;
San Diego and Sacramento, Calif.; and Reno, Nev. The company builds a variety of projects for both public

and private clients throughout the United States, including commercial and institutional structures; infrastructure projects such as highways, dams, pipelines and airport facilities; and facilities for the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies.

Sundt traces its roots back 120 years to a small construction company in New Mexico founded by a Norwegian immigrant named Mauritz Martinsen Sundt. The company moved to Arizona in 1929, and has been growing and doing work locally, regionally and nationally ever since. Sundt is entirely owned by its approximately 1,300 employees. 

 About Sundt
Sundt Construction, Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The firm is headquartered in Tempe, and is currently ranked the 55th largest construction company in the United States by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine. Sundt is known nationally for its innovative approach to construction services. www.sundt.com

 

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Come What May! Hidden Meadow Ranch Introduces the “Indulge Your Senses” Package for May

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Arizona mountain hideaway’s latest package creates perfect excuse for a couples retreat

 GREER, Ariz. – On May 1, Hidden Meadow Ranch, an upscale White Mountains ranch hideaway in northeastern Arizona, launched the “Indulge Your Senses” package – perfect for travelers looking for a sensational excuse to escape and come to their senses this month.

troutpond-canoesOffered May 1 through 31, the amenity-packed offering-for-two includes private cabin accommodations, three gourmet meals per person per day, all non-alcoholic beverages, Ranch activities (horseback riding, hiking, archery, fishing and more), as well as the following amenities:   

 Sight:        Guided nature, wildflower and wildlife hike through the national forest

Sound:      A complimentary CD featuring soothing mountain sounds

Taste:        Culinary menu with light and fresh dinner dishes

Smell:        In-room gift basket brimming with spa essentials

Touch:      Two complimentary one-hour in-cabin massages

The Indulge Your Senses package is $550 per night for two with double occupancy (two-night minimum). Guests stay in one of 12 private custom-appointed log cabins, each of which offers an elegant, rustic and roomy 900-square-foot retreat. All cabins are stocked with goodies such as snacks, coffee, cocoa, tea and bottled water – not to mention windows filled with beautiful views of the surrounding meadow and forest, and doors that provide matchless access to the countless outdoor amenities including the hot tub and fishing pond.

Hidden Meadow Ranch nestles on 150 pristine acres surrounded by two million acres of national forest, boasting 975 miles of trails for exploration on foot, horseback or mountain bike. A great escape for all seasons, Hidden Meadow Ranch was recently named a winner of the 2010 Awards for Excellence, a program of Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide from the most trusted name in travel publishing, Condé Nast Publications Ltd. The 2010 Awards for Excellence covered 31 categories, and this was the second time in three years Hidden Meadow Ranch won the category of Most Excellent Ranch.

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About Hidden Meadow Ranch

Hidden Meadow Ranch is an exclusive boutique guest ranch with elegantly rustic log cabins, exceptional amenities and service, and the year-round family-friendly activities of the mountain west. This premier guest ranch – situated at 8,500 feet in the pine and aspen forest above and beyond Arizona’s desert heat – provides an escape from everything urban, thoughtfully mixing creature comforts and Mother Nature’s amenities. A variety of ownership opportunities are available through The Club at Hidden Meadow Ranch, the state’s only high-end custom log home community offering fractional ownership cabins as well as custom homesites. 866.333.4080, www.hiddenmeadow.com

KIMPTON’S FIRESKY RESORT EARNS ARIZONA’S FIRST GREEN SEAL CERTIFICATION

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Scottsdale hotel is the first in the state to be awarded exclusive sustainable designation

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.– Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa was awarded Green Seal certification, making it the first Arizona hotel to achieve this exclusive sustainable designation.

Recycled water, low water-use plants green up FireSky's entrance

Recycled water, low water-use plants green up FireSky's entrance

 “We are excited and proud to be the first Green Seal certified resort in Arizona,” said Jim Hollister, general manager of FireSky, which received its Green Seal certification at the Silver level. “Our resort team has worked hard to complete the application and make adjustments to our property to earn this designation. We feel our efforts underscore our commitment to sustainable business practices and a greener community.”

Hollister said FireSky’s journey to being eco-friendly started in 2007, shortly after the property joined the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants family and began adopting the more than 80 eco-friendly products and operational practices under the company’s award-winning EarthCare program. FireSky employees, as well as those at Taggia Restaurant and the all-organic Jurlique Spa, were quick to embrace EarthCare initiatives – recycling paper and collecting unused soaps and gently used bedding and sheets for donation to local shelters.

“By the time Kimpton became involved with Green Seal and our hotel began the application process, we’d already put so much effort into environmentally-friendly efforts through EarthCare,” Hollister said. “Consequently, the Green Seal application and certification has helped us take our sustainable practices to the next level.”

Hollister said his top priority was to make it simple for the staff to integrate additional eco-minded efforts into their work day. “In order to be effective and consistent in our sustainable practices for the long term, we knew our eco-minded setup had to be efficient,” he said. “We worked really hard to make EarthCare and Green Seal practices systematic so that they would be second nature to the staff and part of the property’s culture.”

FireSky took extensive measures to make everything accessible, especially for its housekeeping staff, for which it integrated sorting bins into the cleaning carts and placed easy-to-reach receptacles for recycling and donations behind the scenes. Other efforts included the creation of a compost program and modifications to the landscaping to reduce water consumption. Hollister added that the FireSky team continues to ensure green practices with various checks and balances, educating and rewarding the staff on an ongoing basis.

At FireSky and Kimpton, these processes are not only important to the property, but also the guests. According to guest surveys, Kimpton’s eco-consciousness is the reason why 18 percent of first-time guests select the brand’s hotels and restaurants. FireSky guest surveys rank the influence of green efforts even higher at upwards of 20 percent.

Kimpton, with 50 hotels in 22 major metropolitan cities, is in process to become the first lifestyle boutique hotel company in the U.S. to attain 100 percent Green Seal certification at the Silver level.

At present, 46 of 50 hotels have completed the rigorous application process for Green Seal certification, which includes an on-site audit. Half of those have already received certification. The rest are anticipated to be awarded certification within the next 90 days. The remaining four, including two opening this spring, will begin the certification process this year.

Green Seal certification is an important third-party validation of Kimpton’s EarthCare program, and allows Kimpton to more effectively measure its nationwide reductions in waste, energy and water consumption. For example, at Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco in Chicago, which earned Green Seal certification in 2009 along with Kimpton’s Hotel Burnham and Hotel Allegro in the same city, tracking methods required for certification revealed that 116 tons, or 45 percent, of all of recyclables were diverted from landfill last year. This effort equates to the preservation of 1,977 trees, 477,042 kilowatts of electricity, 44,192 gallons of oil, 814,065 gallons of water and 349 yards of space diverted from landfill.

“These statistics reflect the impact of just one Kimpton hotel,” said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “Once attained, Green Seal certification will enable us to quantify our efforts across 46 properties initially, and then benchmark our progress year over year to continue to aim higher and achieve even greater positive results from our EarthCare practices. This certification reaffirms for our guests and each hotel in our collection the impact our shared contribution makes on individual communities and the planet overall.”

 To qualify for GS-33 Green Seal certification, a hotel must demonstrate sustainable practices in the following areas:

  • Waste minimization, reuse and recycling
  • Energy efficiency, conservation and management
  • Management of fresh water resources
  • Waste water management
  • Hazardous substances
  • Environmentally sensitive purchasing

Certification requires an initial evaluation by Green Seal, including an extensive on-site audit of the property, and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance. The GS-33 standard recognizes three levels of environmental achievement:

  • Bronze: Entry level, meets essential environmental leadership elements
  • Silver: Meets a more comprehensive level of required leadership operations
  • Gold: Meets additional criteria demonstrating hotel is at the forefront of environmental leadership

“We congratulate the Kimpton hotels on committing to such an ambitious goal,” said Dr. Arthur Weissman, President and CEO of Green Seal. “As their certified properties in Chicago alone have already prevented an estimated 1500 tons of greenhouse gasses, Kimpton is helping to create a more sustainable world.”

In addition to FireSky Resort & Spa, the other Kimpton hotels that have achieved Green Seal certification include: The Morrison House (Alexandria, VA); Hotel Monaco (Alexandria, VA); Nine Zero (Boston); Hotel Marlowe (Cambridge, MA); Hotel Allegro (Chicago, IL); Hotel Burnham (Chicago, IL); Hotel Monaco (Chicago, IL); the Cypress Hotel (Cupertino, CA); EPIC Hotel (Miami); Hotel Monaco (Portland, OR); Vintage Plaza Hotel (Porland, OR); Argonaut Hotel (San Francisco, CA); Harbor Court Hotel (San Francisco, CA); Serrano Hotel (San Francisco, CA); Hotel Monaco (San Francisco, CA); Sir Francis Drake (San Francisco, CA); Prescott Hotel (San Francisco, CA); Hotel Monaco (Salt Lake City, UT); Hotel Vintage Park (Seattle); Hotel Monaco (Seattle); Hotel Monaco (Washington, DC); Hotel Palomar (Washington, DC); Hotel George (Washington, DC); Hotel Rouge (Washington, DC); Topaz Hotel (Washington, DC); and Hotel Madera (Washington, DC). 

Since it was first published in 1999, the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties, GS-33, has represented leadership in the industry. The standard focuses on waste minimization, energy conservation and management, management of fresh water resources, waste water management, pollution prevention, and organizational commitment such as environmentally sensitive purchasing. The standard can serve as a tool to help operations begin to take action to improve their operation and is available for Green Seal certification.

Kimpton’s innovative EarthCare initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include several industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners brand-wide. Through a new brand-wide Wines That CareTM program led by master sommelier Emily Wines, guests enjoy many featured environmentally preferable wines at the hosted evening wine hour at all Kimpton hotels. Diners at Kimpton Restaurants have access to increased sustainably produced wine selections on menus, can take advantage of in-house purified water through a national partnership with Natura® and enjoy sustainable seafood dishes in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Kimpton is a partner of The Nature Conservancy to support its “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign.

For more information on Green seal’s Lodging Standard, visit: http://www.greenseal.org/certification/standards/gs33_lodgingproperties.cfm. To learn more about EarthCare and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, visit www.KimptonHotels.com, www.Twitter.com/Kimpton, or www.Facebook.com/Kimpton.

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ABOUT FIRESKY RESORT & SPA  

A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, FireSky Resort & Spa is located in downtown Scottsdale, Ariz. This alluring oasis artfully blends the casual elegance of its hometown with the stark appeal of its desert setting. The property’s story is one of the elements, conveyed by strong indoor/outdoor connections, lush landscaping, expansive water features and beckoning hearths and fire pits. The hotel’s 204 guest rooms and suites, each measuring 400 to 800 square feet and boasting a private balcony or patio overlooking the colorful grounds and lagoon-like swimming pools. Resort amenities include approximately 14,000 square feet of customizable multi-use space across 13 meeting rooms for social gatherings and business events. Additional highlights include Taggia, the on-site restaurant featuring authentic coastal Italian cuisine, and Jurlique Spa, a soothing retreat in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. www.fireskyresort.com

 ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are the LEED registered Hotel Palomar and LEED registered Square 1682 restaurant by Chef Guillermo Tellez in Philadelphia, PA, which opened in October 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

ABOUT GREEN SEAL INC.

Green Seal, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., has been identifying products and services that protect the environment and human health since 1989. The Green Seal mark appears on over 3600 environmentally sustainable products and services, and Green Seal is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The independent organization focuses on certification to its leadership standards, avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from recommending products or consulting with applicants. For more information and a list of all Green Seal certified products and services, visit www.GreenSeal.org.