SALEM, OR - October 8, 2008 - The Phoenix Grand Hotel and Bentley's Grill recently became the first hotel and restaurant in Salem and Marion County to be EarthWISE certified. The certification through Marion County's EarthWISE program recognizes Phoenix Grand and Bentley's Grill for their commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

'Our entire staff has bought off on the opportunity and excitement that comes with this type of program,' said Scott Snyder, General Manager at the Phoenix Grand Hotel. 'As a business, we are thrilled at the chance to engage our staff and guests in this effort, as we will see an incredible potential bottom-line impact for energy savings, a reduction in garbage pickups and improved moral.'

In addition to a recycling program already in place, the Phoenix Grand Hotel and Bentley's Grill has implemented:

• Use of 100% recycled paper for all printed material
• Utilize Earth friendly cleaning solutions and drainage system
• Supports local economy by purchasing products and food from local suppliers and includes S.L.A.B organic local handmade soap as an amenity in all guest rooms.
• Operates on Energy Star appliances
• Sleeping room towel and linen program that allows guest to re-use their bedding and towels.
• Sleeping room and public area recycling
• Replacement of all lighting in guest rooms with cool white compact fluorescent lighting.

Additionally, Phoenix Grand has made a pledge to the community through Portland General Electric's 'Save More, Matter More' campaign;a movement to reduce the carbon footprint of businesses and enpowering Oregon's future by saving energy. Phoenix Grand pledged to research ways to improve the efficiency of in-room heaters and air conditioners through remote thermostats that will keep rooms at guest's preferred temperatures while using less energy when rooms are not occupied.

'Since March 2005 the Phoenix Grand Hotel has strived to exceed our guest's expectations,' said Kristi Reed, Director of Sales at the Phoenix Grand Hotel. 'When our guests requested a greener hotel, we knew it would be good for the hotel, the environment, and for our guests who practice sustainability. As a result, we gave them what they asked for,' said Reed.

Marion County's EarthWISE Program is a free business environmental assistance program offered tall businesses in the county. To be certified, businesses must meet the standards summarized in the EarthWISE certification application. After an application is received, an on-site certification assessment determines the warrant for EarthWISE certification.

'Marion County is very excited to have recently certified the Phoenix Grand Hotel and Bentley's Grill in the EarthWISE program,' said Alan Pennington, Waste Reduction Coordinator for the Marion County Public Works Environmental Services. 'Both of these businesses have made a tremendous commitment to working toward sustainability and will hopefully inspire others to do the same.'

We are proud to do business with companies that practice sustainability. If you are looking for alternative ways to operate your business or your home, please check out what these companies have to offer on their websites. 

ABC WINDOW CLEANERS AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE- http://www.abcwindowsor.com/                

RAPID REFILL- www.rapidrefill.com

S.L.A.B SOAP- www.slabsoap.com